Astros Draftee Boettcher Pursues NFL Career

Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher, drafted by the Astros in 2024, is focusing on football and the NFL Combine instead of joining the baseball team.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:22pm

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Bryce Boettcher, a prospect drafted by the Houston Astros in 2024, has decided to pursue an NFL career instead of joining the Astros organization. Boettcher, a former outfielder and linebacker at the University of Oregon, impressed on the football field and has earned an invitation to the NFL Combine. The Astros have been supportive of Boettcher's decision to focus on football for now, and they plan to discuss his future with the team after the NFL Draft in April.

Why it matters

Boettcher's decision to prioritize football over baseball is a significant development for the Astros, who drafted him with the hope of adding him to their minor league system. However, Boettcher's standout performance on the football field has opened up new opportunities for him, and the Astros have shown flexibility in allowing him to pursue his NFL dreams.

The details

Boettcher was drafted by the Astros in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft after a successful college baseball career at Oregon, where he won a Gold Glove and posted a .872 OPS with 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases. However, Boettcher's true passion lies in football, and he accepted a walk-on opportunity with the Ducks' football team, eventually earning a starting linebacker spot. Boettcher's impressive play on the gridiron, including leading the team in tackles in 2024 and earning the Burlsworth Trophy as the most outstanding college football player who started as a walk-on, has convinced him to pursue an NFL career instead of joining the Astros organization.

  • Boettcher was drafted by the Astros in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB draft.
  • In 2024, Boettcher led the Oregon Ducks with 94 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, helping the team win the Big Ten title and earn a College Football Playoff berth.
  • In 2025, Boettcher led the Big Ten with 136 total tackles and earned First Team All-American honors.
  • Boettcher is currently participating in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

Bryce Boettcher

A former University of Oregon outfielder and linebacker who was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2024 but is now pursuing an NFL career.

Cam Pendino

The scouting director for the Houston Astros.

Dan Lanning

The head football coach at the University of Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“I'm pursuing fully football right now, and I want to win a Super Bowl.”

— Bryce Boettcher (Houston Chronicle)

“We felt comfortable allowing Bryce the opportunity to do that. Once he commits full time to baseball, we think the talent is much greater than the 13th round, so we're pretty excited to get him.”

— Cam Pendino, Astros Scouting Director (Houston Chronicle)

“That's a big question, baseball or football. Are you a baseball guy or a football guy?”

— Bryce Boettcher (Houston Chronicle)

“It's football. Football is my passion. I love it. You can't hit anyone on the baseball field. I love baseball, but this game makes me feel alive. There's a reason that I'm here.”

— Bryce Boettcher (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros said they will discuss Boettcher's future with the organization after the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

Boettcher's decision to pursue an NFL career over joining the Astros organization highlights the difficult choices talented athletes sometimes face when presented with opportunities in multiple sports. The Astros have shown flexibility in supporting Boettcher's football aspirations, and their willingness to revisit his future with the team after the draft demonstrates their commitment to developing young talent.