With their first-round pick in the 2025 MLB draft, the Houston Astros selected shortstop Xavier Neyens at No. 21 overall out of Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Wash. Originally committed to play for Oregon State collegiately, he plans on forgoing that commitment to begin his professional career with the Astros.

Astros move away from recent trend of college players in first round for a left-handed hitting shortstop from Washington

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

The Houston Astros have had an incredible first half of the season based on what most people expected them to be this year following a rough winter. Losing two