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Astros hire new player development leaders to boost pitching and hitting

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 9:05 PM

Last updated Nov 3, 2026

Astros hire new player development leaders to boost pitching and hitting

Summary

The Houston Astros announced the hiring of Conner Watson as director of hitting, Spencer Medick as director of pitching, and Clayton Thompson as assistant director of player development on November 3, 2026. These hires emphasize a focus on increasing fastball velocity and refining development strategies. Watson's experience includes work with the Guardians, while Medick joins from the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate. Both will concentrate on the minor-league system rather than the major-league staff, with a collaborative approach to optimizing player performance.

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By the Numbers

•Watson previously worked as assistant director of hitting development with the Guardians.
•Medick's focus will be developing pitchers to throw harder.
•Thompson joins from the Dodgers as assistant director of player development.
•Astros ranked 15th in average velocity for fastballs in 2026.
•Recruitment reflects a strategy to enhance player performance metrics.

Latest Updates

9:05 PMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros made some notable hires in player development. What they bring to organization

What they're saying

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Houston hired three player development leaders, including Spencer Medick, whose pitching work will focus on helping prospects throw harder.
— Yahoo Sports

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Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Cleveland Guardians MLB Baseball