Astros Secure PPI Pick as Hunter Brown Ranks Top Three in Cy Young
Hunter Brown, a right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, has made headlines as one of the finalists for the American League Cy Young Award in 2025. He shares this honor with Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers and Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox. This recognition not only highlights his excellent performance this season but also ensures the Astros will benefit from an additional draft pick in 2026 due to him being eligible for the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI).
Understanding the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI)
The PPI was introduced in the collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Players Association (MLBPA) covering 2022 to 2026. This new system aims to alleviate service time manipulation practices that have historically hindered player promotions.
- Players on two of three major prospect lists qualify for PPI eligibility.
- To secure a full service year, teams must promote these players early in the season.
- A player can earn their club an extra draft pick if they win Rookie of the Year or rank in the top three for Cy Young or MVP voting during pre-arbitration seasons.
Hunter Brown’s Performance and PPI Eligibility
Brown’s journey in the majors began in late 2022 when he made his debut. Since then, he has retained his rookie status and has been a key player for the Astros, starting 31 games in the 2025 season. He logged 185 and one-third innings, showcasing a remarkable earned run average of 2.43 per nine innings.
Key statistics from Brown’s 2025 season include:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Strikeout Rate | 28.3% |
| Walk Rate | 7.8% |
| Ground Ball Rate | 48.1% |
Despite competing closely with Skubal and Crochet, Brown’s accomplishments this season will likely secure him a third-place finish in the voting. This outcome is significant for the Astros, as they have faced challenges with their farm system in recent years. The extra draft pick from the PPI could aid their rebuilding efforts.
Comparative Achievements in the League
Other players benefiting from the PPI system include Julio Rodríguez, Corbin Carroll, and Gunnar Henderson, all of whom secured bonus picks for their respective teams by winning Rookie of the Year awards. Although Bobby Witt Jr. did not win Rookie of the Year, he still provided an extra draft pick for the Royals by finishing in the top three for MVP voting in 2024.
In 2025, Drake Baldwin is another player to watch, as he is a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Should he win, Atlanta would gain an additional pick as well.
