The Houston Astros might be setting the stage for a potential power-hitting addition at first base after making a major trade.
According to Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, the Astros acquired first base prospect from the Milwaukee Brewers. Details of what Houston gave up weren’t immediately disclosed.
Top star, has shown strong power potential. Drafted in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of South Carolina, he had been part of Milwaukee’s minor league developmental program.
This season with Triple-A Nashville, Clarke posted a .216 batting average, a .352 on-base percentage, and a .358 slugging percentage, along with six home runs and 16 RBI in 46 games. However, in each of the previous two seasons, he hit at least 21 home runs.
In 2024, while playing for two minor league affiliates, Clarke hit .244/.344/.468 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI. In 2023, at Double-A Biloxi, he posted a .241/.392/.497 line with 26 home runs and 80 RBI.
Overall in his minor league career, Clarke has slashed .234/.366/.451 with an .817 OPS, tallying 68 doubles, one triple, 72 home runs, and 250 RBI over 387 games. The Astros continue to struggle to find consistent power at first base — a recurring issue in recent years.
Before the 2023 season, Houston signed former AL MVP José Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract, but he severely underperformed, batting just .124/.167/.195 with two home runs and seven RBI over 35 games. The team eventually released him, choosing to absorb the final year of his deal.
This past offseason, the Astros brought in veteran Christian Walker on a three-year, $60 million contract to help solve the position’s power issues.
So far, that hasn’t worked out either. The 34-year-old has hit .212/.277/.359 with a .636 OPS through 69 games, along with nine home runs and 33 RBI. He’s batting nearly 40 points below his average from the previous season, despite his strong defensive reputation as a three-time Gold Glove winner.
Clarke may not be ready for the big leagues just yet. However, the Astros’ decision to acquire him could signal that they’re losing patience with Walker’s struggles. Houston does have other internal options, including versatile utility player Mauricio Dubón.
To bring Clarke up to the majors, the Astros would need to make room on both the 40-man and active 26-man rosters — a move that would only happen if they believe he could help address their first base woes.