Astros Prospect Manages Diabetes While Turning Heads in Spring Training

Walker Janek, the Astros' No. 5 prospect, has been open about his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and is learning to manage the condition with the help of the team's resources.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Walker Janek, a catcher in the Astros' minor league system, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during his sophomore year of college. Despite the challenges, Janek has turned heads in his first Major League camp, impressing with his elite defensive skills and improving bat. The Astros have provided Janek with resources, including a team dietitian who also has Type 1 diabetes, to help him manage the condition and stay focused on his performance on the field.

Why it matters

Janek's story highlights the challenges that athletes with chronic health conditions like diabetes can face, and how supportive organizations can help them overcome those challenges. His success also demonstrates that with proper management, athletes with diabetes can thrive at the highest levels of their sport.

The details

Janek was originally told his rapid weight loss was due to exhaustion, but further testing revealed he had Type 1 diabetes. He was immediately put on insulin and has had to closely monitor his diet and sleep to manage the condition. The Astros have provided Janek with resources, including a team dietitian who also has Type 1 diabetes, to help him navigate the disease. Janek wears an insulin pump while on the field and has backup glucose sources available in the dugout.

  • Janek was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during his sophomore year at Sam Houston State.
  • Janek was drafted by the Astros after his junior year at Sam Houston State.
  • Janek is currently in his first Major League camp with the Astros.

The players

Walker Janek

The Astros' No. 5 prospect, a catcher who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during college.

Joe Espada

The Astros' manager, who organized a Zoom meeting for Janek to connect with others in the organization who also have Type 1 diabetes.

Geordan Stapleton

The Astros' team dietitian, who also has Type 1 diabetes and has been a resource for Janek.

Sam Fuld

The former player who will transition into the role as the Phillies' president of business operations in May, and who also has Type 1 diabetes.

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What they’re saying

“I think managing the disease, as I told [Janek], was as much a mental challenge as a physical challenge. It's staying focused and motivated and knowing that you'll have inevitable frustrations along the way, but to not let your blood sugar and Type 1 diabetes management affect your performance on the field.”

— Sam Fuld (mlb.com)

“This spring, it's been diabetes education 101 and trying to make sure he understands the foundations and, honestly, the basic things just make all the difference. We're working, but we still have a lot of things to iron out.”

— Geordan Stapleton, Astros Dietitian (mlb.com)

What’s next

Janek will likely begin the season at Double-A Corpus Christi, which is also his hometown.

The takeaway

Janek's story demonstrates that with the right support and resources, athletes with chronic health conditions like diabetes can thrive at the highest levels of their sport. His success also highlights the importance of organizations providing comprehensive care and support for their players, which can make a significant difference in their ability to manage their health and perform at their best.