Nebraska shortstop Brice Matthews, a Houston-area native, has been selected by the Houston Astros with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Matthews, who is the highest selection for a Huskers player since Alex Gordon in 2005, had an impressive junior season at Nebraska, batting .359 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI. He was also a Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist and a second-team All-American.

Coming from a two-sport background, Matthews had limited high-level baseball experience in high school, but he made the most of his time at Nebraska. He displayed his versatility by playing both shortstop and second base and has the athleticism to potentially excel in the outfield.

While there may be questions about where Matthews fits long-term, the Astros saw potential in him and selected him earlier than expected. The Astros have until July 25 to sign Matthews to a contract. The selection of Matthews reflects the Astros' focus on addressing their needs for upper-level pitching and middle infielders in their minor-league system, which is currently thin in those areas.