Houston Astros Select Nehomar Ochoa Jr. in the 11th Round of the 2023 MLB Draft: A Homegrown Talent Makes His Way to the Pros

The Houston Astros selected Nehomar Ochoa Jr. in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Ochoa, a standout player from Galena Park High School, caught the eye of Astros scouts last summer with his impressive performance in showcase events. The 17-year-old is known for his physical abilities, including his strong arm in the outfield and his power at the plate. Ochoa’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He was born in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. when he was 10 years old. He faced challenges as an immigrant, including learning English and dealing with bullying in school. However, Ochoa persevered and focused on his dream of playing in the big leagues. His father, Nehomar Ochoa, was a former pitcher in the Expos/Nationals system and his injury cut his career short. Ochoa Jr. hopes to use the bonus money from the Astros to help his father start a baseball academy, fulfilling his father’s dream. Ochoa Jr. plans to sign with the Astros and forgo his commitment to the University of Houston. He will be heading to the team’s complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, to undergo a physical and begin his journey in professional baseball. With his talent and determination, Ochoa Jr. is ready to make his mark in the Astros organization and work towards his ultimate goal of playing in the big leagues.