A .301 BA with .874 OPS season and 23BB/19K in 192 PA at age 17 in the 2025 Dominican Summer League catapulted Kevin Alvarez to the top of virtually every public Astros prospect ranking list coming into the 2026 season. Yes, that’s a sign of the overall weakness of the system but also a reflection of the tremendous potential of Alvarez. He has backed up that promise with a very solid year in Fayetteville. Alvarez is a top 20-25 hitter in the Carolina League despite being the youngest player in the entire circuit. In no way does he look overmatched by older, more experienced pitching.
This article isn’t about Kevin Alvarez. Imagine what the young man’s stock would have been like if he had hit .409 with a 1.196 OPS, 22BB/15K in 91 PA and 13 SB with 0 CS? As of this writing in the middle of a DLS Orange game, that is what 17-year-old Albert Fermín is producing this season. The switch-hitting infielder is presently a top 5 or 6 hitter in the entire 52-team DSL, and 3 of the guys ahead of him are near or at drinking age, so, arguably, at the moment, he is the best or second-best hitter in the league.
Fermín is generally viewed as a shortstop, but he’s also played 3B/2B as frequently, so we shall see where he ultimately ends up. He’s roughly the same size as Alvarez (6’3”, 190), and with players of that size, it’s typical to project that he might move to the hot corner or a corner OF spot. I have not seen him in person, but all accounts I have received indicate he has a much stronger arm than Alvarez.
That bat, though.
I try to temper enthusiasm about numbers/production until I get to see the player. For every Kevin Alvarez, there’s a Kenni Gomez. However, the positive chatter about Fermín is much more akin to that of Alvarez than Gomez. It’s exciting.
Per my understanding, even if there is a lockout in the 2027 season, the minor league players will continue to play ball. We should all hope so as I see no reason the Astros will not have Fermín bypass the Complex League. It’ll be a treat to see him play in Fayetteville.
Silly autocorrect/lazy editor… I meant Kenni Gomez, not Kenny. 😀
Fixed. 👍
TY.
I meant my own editing, of course!
The Astros farm system even with Fermin lacks a lot of star power but the growth is obvious.
Next season(Alvarez, Neyans, and Fermin are not getting traded) both 1st round picks will slot into the 3, 4, or 5 spot. Which is crazy when it has felt like every year our first round has automatically slotted in as our top prospect.
If Dana and the next GM retain their discipline this year and next, by the end of the 2027 draft our farm system could be completely turned around. Then by 2029 (maybe 2028 if we’re lucky to have some of the college guys succeed) the drip feed of high quality prospects could start flowing in.