Asheville Tourists Reveal 2026 Roster Ahead of Renovated Ballpark Home Opener

Ethan Frey scored a team-high six runs during LSU's 2025 College World Series championship run before signing with the Houston Astros organization. Now ranked third among all Houston prospects, the outfielder is the headliner of the Tourists' 30-man opening-day roster, the one that will take the field at the renovated McCormick Field when Asheville hosts the Greenville Drive on April 21 at 6:35 p.m.

The Houston Astros unveiled the full squad ahead of the road opener, which the Tourists played April 2 against the Rome Emperors. The 30-man roster splits evenly, 15 pitchers and 15 position players, with four of Houston's top-30 prospects assigned to Asheville. Alongside Frey in the outfield are Drew Brutcher, Chase Call, Cesar Hernandez, and Justin Thomas. Right-hander Cole Hertzler, ranked No. 23 in the organization, and fellow RHP Parker Smith at No. 25 anchor a pitching staff that leans heavily right-handed: Colby Langford is the only left-handed pitcher on the roster. Infielder Caden Powell, ranked No. 27, rounds out the top-prospect contingent.

Sixteen players will be making their Asheville debuts this season, giving the 2026 Tourists one of the freshest rosters in recent memory at McCormick Field.

The April 21 home opener carries weight beyond baseball standings. The night will also mark a celebration of 102 years of professional baseball in Asheville, with the renovated stadium serving as the backdrop. Ticket packages for the full 2026 season are available at TouristsTickets.com, and the Tourists' box office can be reached at 828-258-0428, ext. 3.

City and stadium partners have pointed to attendance and game-day revenue this season as a key measure of the renovated facility's economic pull in downtown Asheville and surrounding neighborhoods. With four top-30 Astros prospects and 16 fresh faces, the on-field product gives fans good reason to find out what McCormick Field looks like with fresh paint.