The Houston Astros have been determined to seek out outfielders.
Franchise icon Jose Altuve was moved from second base in the course of the offseason, seeing time in left because the Astros seemed to seek out manufacturing from their outfield. Brian McTaggart from MLB.com reported that Altuve would be the Astros’ Opening Day left fielder, simply the second time Altuve wouldn’t begin at second since Houston moved to the American League.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply that he’ll stay in left. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that whereas supervisor Joe Espada stated Altuve will play “most of his video games” in left, his position may change. Accidents, efficiency and robust showings within the minors may transfer Altuve again to the keystone. He’s not the one participant the Astros are trying on the outfield; third base prospect Cam Smith has additionally gotten time in right in an try to seek out manufacturing.
After buying and selling Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, the Astros have a number of holes within the outfield. Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick are atop the depth chart in heart and proper, respectively. Neither participant has carried out a lot with the bat. Meyers is a superb defensive outfielder however has a profession .228/.292/.371 batting line with 30 homers and 50 doubles in 1,177 plate appearances. McCormick had been a productive choice within the lineup earlier than final season. His offense cratered in 2024 as he posted a .211/.271/.306 batting line in his 267 plate appearances, hitting 5 homers and 6 doubles.
Altuve has not displayed any indicators of slowing down. The Astros’ sparkplug produced a .295/.350/.439 batting line in 682 plate appearances, hitting 20 homers and 31 doubles whereas stealing 22 bases. He’ll proceed to bat atop the Astros lineup no matter his spot on protection. Relying on how Houston’s different gamers carry out, that spot could possibly be again at second base.
