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Astros Prospect Cuts Hair for Teammates
2 Mar
Summary
- Xavier Neyens, an Astros draft pick, also cuts hair for free.
- He received a $4.12 million signing bonus, highest in a decade.
- Neyens is seen as a potential rejuvenation for the Astros' farm system.
Houston Astros prospect Xavier Neyens is carving a unique path, combining his baseball aspirations with a burgeoning barber career. Drafted 21st overall and receiving a $4.12 million bonus, Neyens is generating significant buzz as a potential cornerstone for the Astros' future.
Neyens' barbering skills emerged organically when a cash-strapped teammate requested a haircut in August. This unexpected opportunity led to a passion for cutting hair, which he now offers to fellow minor leaguers for free. He is even considering using part of his signing bonus to attend barber school.
Despite his dual pursuits, Neyens is focused on baseball. He has not yet played in an affiliated game as part of the team's development plan. However, his potential is recognized, with Keith Law naming him the second-best position player prospect in the Astros' system. This is significant for a farm system ranked near the bottom of MLB.
Astros farm director Sam Niedorf highlighted Neyens' "combination of power, bat speed and competitive makeup." Even without affiliated games last season, Neyens' work ethic and adaptation to the team environment have been impressive. He sees barbering as a welcome distraction and an outlet during the demanding baseball schedule.
