Astros Prospect Walker Janek Thriving While Managing Type 1 Diabetes

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Houston Astros catcher Walker Janek is navigating the challenges of Type 1 diabetes while pursuing his Major League dream. The Astros’ No. 5-ranked prospect, drafted after his junior year at Sam Houston State, is learning to manage the condition with support from the organization and fellow athletes.

Diagnosis and Initial Challenges

Janek first noticed something was wrong during his sophomore year at Sam Houston State, experiencing a rapid weight loss of approximately 25 pounds in a month. Initially, he was told the weight loss was due to exhaustion, but he insisted on further testing. The testing revealed a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and he was immediately started on insulin. MLB.com

A Support System Emerges

Recognizing the mental and physical challenges of managing the disease, Astros manager Joe Espada organized a Zoom meeting for Janek with Astros dietitian Geordan Stapleton, Astros Minor League pitcher Ramsey David, and Sam Fuld, who will transition to the Phillies’ president of business operations in May. All four individuals live with Type 1 diabetes.

“I think managing the disease…was as much a mental challenge as a physical challenge,” said Fuld. “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.” MLB.com

Daily Management and Resources

Janek wears an insulin pump during games and focuses on disciplined sleep and diet. The Astros provide resources at all levels of their Minor League system, including a registered dietitian at Double-A Corpus Christi, where Janek is likely to begin the season. MLB.com

Astros dietitian Geordan Stapleton, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 12, has been a key resource for Janek, providing “diabetes education 101” and emphasizing the importance of foundational understanding. During games, Janek has access to quick glucose sources like Gatorade, applesauce, and fruit snacks. Fuld even suggested chewing gum during mound visits as a potential “hack” for managing blood sugar. MLB.com

On-Field Performance and Offseason Preparation

Despite the challenges, Janek is demonstrating promising performance. Through Sunday of Grapefruit League play, he was 4-for-9 with a double, four RBIs, and four stolen bases. Last season, while playing at High-A Asheville, he hit .263/.333/.433 with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. MLB.com

Janek credits an improved offseason routine and increased focus for his strong showing in Spring Training. “Last spring, I didn’t do as much as I did this spring ramping up into the season,” Janek said. “And I think this past offseason, I’ve taken it more seriously, got a better routine, figured some things out on and off the field when it comes to baseball. I locked in a little bit more and felt a lot better coming into Spring Training, and it showed for me.” MLB.com