From Playing Catch to the Big Leagues: Petey Soto Jr.’s Journey to the Astros

Some children are captivated by toys, art, or video games. For Petey Soto Jr., it was baseball. Little did he know that countless games of catch with his father would one day lead to hearing his name called by the Houston Astros in the MLB Draft.

For many athletes, the journey ends after Little League or high school. For Petey, it was only the beginning. By the time college came around, he knew baseball would continue to be a defining part of his life.

The Support System of a Lifetime

Behind every successful athlete is a team of supporters. For Petey, that team has always been his family, whose encouragement and belief in him helped shape the path to his success.

 “I grew up playing baseball, ever since I was child,” Petey said. “I come from an athletic family. This was always the plan for me, that's why it was surreal for me when it happened.”

Additionally, Petey found himself surrounded by coaches and players who wanted nothing more than to see him succeed. Those around him knew Petey was destined for greatness. 

 “Watching him play is a special thing,” Head Coach, Chris Pfatenhauer, said . “He has a deep passion for the game. He truly is a phenomenal short stop. It was a pleasure to have him in our program”

Every season Petey spent wearing 'Blazers' across his jersey was memorable, but it was his junior year teammates who became lifelong friends.

“Every single coach, from freshman year to now, developed me as a person and a player,” Petey said. “My junior year team felt like a little circle. My best friend Kyle McDaniel really pushed me to be better.”

Dreams Do Come True 

As Petey's college career progressed, having the right people in his corner became increasingly important. He credits his agent with helping him make valuable connections and navigate the draft process, ultimately putting him in a position to hear his name called.

"You pretty much don't find out until Draft Day," Petey said. "When my agent called me, it was during the 16th round, and he told me the Astros were planning to take me in the 18th. When they finally called my name, I was like, 'Wow, it's really happening.'"

For Petey, the moment felt surreal. But for those who had watched his journey unfold, it was hardly a surprise.

Following a standout junior season in 2026, Petey emerged as one of the nation's top-performing nine-hole hitters, proving that years of dedication and hard work had prepared him for the next level.

"Petey’s arm is way above the average player," Coach Pfatenhauer said. "He is pretty fearless on the defensive side of baseball, and he has come such a long way offensively. He raised his batting average around 100 points. The sky is the limit for him and the progress he can make."

Petey's Message to You

We pride ourselves in students' accomplishments, and our goal is to see each Trailblazer succeed. Behind every dream is a community of people cheering you on, believing in your potential even when the journey feels uncertain. When asked if he had a message to those at Utah Tech who dream of playing for the MLB, or those of us with big dreams in general, he said this: 

“Believe in yourself, and those that support you. Make them proud. Believe you can do it, and not just dream about it. Believe, manifest it, and do it. And of course, go Trailblazers.”