Astros Draft High School Star Xavier Neyens No. 21

The Houston Astros selected 18-year-old Xavier Neyens, an infielder from Mount Vernon High School in Washington, with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. This marks the first time since 2015 that the Astros have drafted a high school position player in the first round, breaking their recent trend of picking college players. Neyens, committed to Oregon State, is widely regarded as one of the top high school power hitters and has earned high rankings from several scouting outlets. He stands 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, bats left-handed with notable raw power, and possesses a disciplined approach and plus arm strength, though there are some concerns about his swing-and-miss tendencies. The Astros project him as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with the athleticism to remain at third base. Neyens is expected to sign with Houston given his high draft position.