Jake Meyers quietly put together the best season of his career in 2025 - and now, he might be on the move.
For the first few years of his time with the Astros, Meyers was more of a role player than a headliner, often lost in the shuffle behind Houston’s star-studded lineup. But that narrative shifted this past season when the 27-year-old outfielder turned in a breakout campaign, slashing .292/.354/.373 across 104 games.
The power numbers weren’t eye-popping - just three home runs and 24 RBI - but the consistency at the plate stood out. He nearly matched his hit total from 2024 (101) despite playing 44 fewer games.
Now, according to a report from The Athletic, Houston is open to trading Meyers - but only for the right return. Specifically, the Astros are reportedly seeking a controllable major-league starter in exchange, which gives us a pretty good idea of how they’re valuing him internally.
It’s not hard to see why Meyers has drawn interest. Before a calf injury sidelined him in late summer, he was hitting .308 through his first 89 games - a stretch that helped stabilize the Astros' outfield during a season filled with ups and downs.
He returned in September but wasn’t quite the same, and Houston ultimately missed the postseason. Still, his early-season production left a lasting impression.
And defensively? Meyers was elite. He ranked in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average in 2025, offering Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field - a premium position where reliable gloves are always in demand.
That’s why teams like the Phillies, Mets, Rays, Orioles, Diamondbacks and Royals are reportedly exploring upgrades in center field and could be in the mix for Meyers. Each of those clubs has a reason to kick the tires, whether it’s a need for defense up the middle, a right-handed bat, or simply a more stable presence in the outfield.
But for a team like the Guardians, the fit is a little more complicated.
Cleveland has been searching for answers in center field for a while now, and on paper, Meyers checks a few important boxes: he’s a plus defender, he’s under team control, and he’s coming off a strong offensive year. His projected $3.5 million salary in arbitration for 2026 is reasonable, especially for a player who just posted a near-.300 average.
Still, the question isn't whether Meyers is a good player - it’s whether he’s the right target for a team like the Guardians, especially if the asking price is one of their promising young arms. Names like Joey Cantillo or Parker Messick have come up in trade speculation, and that’s where things get tricky. Moving controllable pitching for a player like Meyers - who, despite his breakout, still owns a career OPS+ of 85 - might not be the best long-term play.
Cleveland also has other options. Free agents like Harrison Bader or Austin Jays offer similar defensive value without the cost of giving up young pitching. And when you're a team built around a strong rotation and a tight budget, that kind of flexibility matters.
Meanwhile, the Astros are clearly looking ahead. With prospects like Zach Cole and Jacob Melton making their MLB debuts last season, the outfield picture in Houston is getting crowded. Trading Meyers could be more about roster balance than any knock on his performance.
Bottom line: Jake Meyers has turned himself into a legitimate trade chip - a high-floor, defensively elite center fielder who can hit for average and won’t break the bank. There’s a market for that, and it’s growing. But for teams like the Guardians, the cost-benefit equation is a little tougher to justify.