Logan VanWey is Quietly Earning His Shot with the Astros

Orange Fire post from contributer Jules Hughan. Follow Jules on Blue Sky at @juleshughan.bsky.social

You may not know the name yet, but Logan VanWey is making it harder to ignore in Astros camp. The rightie came in as a non-roster invite after signing with Houston in July 2022 as an undrafted free agent. Since then, he has been one of the quieter standouts this spring. His latest outing, against the Marlins on March 20, gave another clear look at why he is climbing.

VanWey threw 1.2 scoreless innings, allowed one hit, struck out two, and did not walk a batter. He needed just 26 pitches, 17 of them for strikes. The numbers tell part of the story, but they match what the pitches are doing.

The fastball sat 93–95 mph and touched 96. It worked consistently at the top of the zone, carrying through with very little horizontal movement. The shape helps him miss barrels. Hitters are swinging underneath it, and the pitch holds its line through the zone.

His changeup came in at 83–85 mph with late drop and solid vertical separation. It mirrors the fastball out of the hand, creating a tight tunnel that leads to uncomfortable swings and soft contact. The release point stays consistent, which adds to the deception.

The most noticeable development has come from his breaking ball mix. VanWey is now throwing a sweeper in the 78–81 mph range with sharp horizontal movement. It appears to be getting 15 to 18 inches of break and gives hitters a completely different look from his vertical action. He also mixes in a cutter or short slider in the mid-80s, giving him four pitches with distinct shape and intent.

The pitch plots reflect a clear plan. Shapes are separated, release points stay consistent, and every pitch has a defined purpose. Nothing overlaps or blends together. This is a pitcher who understands his arsenal and knows how to use it.

Houston has a track record of identifying and developing arms with pitch shape upside, especially in the bullpen. VanWey fits that mould. He may not be the most recognizable name in camp, but his pitch design is advanced, and his sequencing continues to get better. He is throwing strikes, generating weak contact, and missing bats with all four pitches.

He keeps pitching like this, and the Astros won’t have a choice. He’s ready. Four pitches. Solid command. Shape for days. That’ll play.