With their first-round pick in the 2025 MLB draft, the Houston Astros selected shortstop Xavier Neyens at No. 21 overall out of Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Wash. Originally committed to play for Oregon State collegiately, he plans on forgoing that commitment to begin his professional career with the Astros.

Astros move away from recent trend of college players in first round for a left-handed hitting shortstop from Washington

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

The Mount Vernon High School shortstop was drafted by the Houston Astros with the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the MLB Draft on Sunday, shining a rare national spotlight on the Skagit Valley baseball scene.

Oregon State University baseball once again had a busy MLB Draft with outgoing players and high school recruits selected.

Seattle Mariners fans have disliked the Houston Astros for the last decade or so, and it seems like the rivalry is set to continue for many more years to come.