Some of the best talent from the top-rated Houston Astros’ farm system will give fans a glimpse of what’s to come during the inaugural Houston Astros Futures Weekend on March 30-31.

The Astros’ top two minor league affiliates, the Triple-A Round Rock Express and the AA Corpus Christi Hooks, will face off in a two-game, home-and-home series just before the start of the Minor League Baseball season.

The Express will visit Whataburger Field in Corpus, Saturday, March 30, while the game in Round Rock will take place at Dell Diamond on Sunday, March 31 at 2:05 pm (CT). For Austinites and those in or near Round Rock unable to make the trip to Corpus, Saturday, the Express will host a free Fan Fest at Dell Diamond that day from 10 am to 2 pm.

Moving Up the Ranks

Most rankings still list the Astros’ minor league farm system in the top 10, although having fallen a bit from their top rankings of a handful of years ago.

The graduation of a few top talents into the MLB ranks, coupled with the trading away of several in the deals that brought pitchers Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole to Houston, have depleted the affiliates to a degree. But, many future stars will still be on display this weekend.

On view for the Express will be baseball’s #7 and #8 overall prospects, Forrest Whitley and Kyle Tucker from MLB Pipeline’s Top 100.

The 44th-ranked prospect, Yordan Alvarez will also don the Round Rock jersey. Pitchers Corbin Martin (#80) and JB Bukauskas (#96) will also be on the mound this weekend. Happily graduating from MLB Pipeline’s prospect list will be pitcher Josh James, who recently was selected as a reliever on Houston’s Opening Day roster, his first such designation. Through Sunday, March 24, James pitched 3.1 innings, as he was being brought along carefully following a right quad strain suffered shortly after spring camp opened. Also making their debut Opening Day rosters are outfielder Tony Kemp and reliever Framber Valdez. The latter was battling Brad Peacock for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Kemp, out of minor league options, did more than his share to earn his roster spot, hitting .333 in 39 ABs, compiling a .971 OPS and stealing four bases without getting caught. “Kemp’s been around this camp almost as long as I’ve been an Astro, and it’s hard to believe he hadn’t made an Opening Day team until this year,” Astros director of baseball operations and general manager Jeff Luhnow told MLB.com before departing Florida. “Josh James hadn’t pitched in a Major League Spring Training game, but had pitched in the playoffs, and now he’s on an Opening Day roster. And Framber, who competed really hard for the rotation. I don’t want him to feel minimalized at all for being moved to the bullpen. He should be very proud to be on this team.” Views From the Top “This exhibition series [at the end of March] is the perfect way to celebrate Round Rock’s return to the Astros system,” Hooks general manager Wes Weigle told the press recently. “The Express have a first-class front office and we are thrilled to host them at Whataburger Field. We want to thank the Astros for giving us the opportunity to show off all of the former Hooks and future Hooks who will help Houston capture another World Series title.”