Houston Astros Outfield: A Balancing Act of Potential and Experience
The Houston Astros find themselves in a tricky outfield situation as they gear up for the new season. Last year, their outfield struggled offensively, partly due to injuries and the challenge of integrating two rookies.
General Manager Dana Brown's attempt to bolster the group at the trade deadline didn't pan out, leading to the recent trade of Jesús Sánchez to the Toronto Blue Jays. While this move cleared Sánchez's $6.8 million salary, it left the Astros' outfield depth looking a bit thin.
Brown's admission that the team isn't finished making moves suggests a sense of urgency. Trading Sánchez, the one outfielder with some experience, hints at a potential follow-up move, though nothing has materialized yet.
The Astros are open to trading displaced third baseman Isaac Paredes, but talks have hit a standstill. One phone call or an unexpected injury could change that quickly, so stay tuned.
The Astros are keen on adding a more seasoned outfielder to ease the pressure on their young players. They had their sights set on Brendan Donovan from the St.
Louis Cardinals, which would have allowed them to send either Cam Smith or Zach Cole to the minors for further development. Manager Joe Espada emphasized the importance of giving young players at-bats, whether in the majors or Triple-A, to complete their growth.
However, the current roster setup might not afford such luxuries. Smith, Cole, and Joey Loperfido, who arrived in the Sánchez deal, are all strong contenders for the Opening Day roster. Combined, they have only 911 major-league plate appearances, highlighting the inexperience in the outfield.
Sánchez had a respectable .774 OPS against right-handers but struggled in Houston, making him expendable. His trade was primarily a salary dump, reflecting the team's lack of confidence in his ability to bounce back. Despite this, keeping him could have provided some insurance given the inexperience of the remaining outfielders.
Espada reiterated that Yordan Alvarez will see time in left field, but without a set number of games. Alvarez has never started more than 56 games in left field in a season, so expecting a significant increase isn't realistic. The team prefers a more athletic, defense-oriented outfield, which complicates matters further.
As the Grapefruit League games approach, the Astros are treating them as auditions. Jake Meyers seems the only outfielder with a secure spot, especially after his offensive surge last season.
However, Espada has refrained from officially naming him the everyday starter. Smith, Cole, Loperfido, and Brice Matthews will all get opportunities in center field to boost the roster's versatility.
Espada plans to create competition by rotating players through different outfield positions during games. This strategy aims to test their adaptability and reaction under pressure. Relying on these 33 exhibition games to make final decisions is a gamble, but it's one Brown and his team are willing to take.
Smith's standout performance in last year's spring training earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster, despite his struggles later in the season. His potential remains high, and if he can tap into it, many of the team's concerns could be alleviated. The same goes for Cole and Loperfido, who have shown flashes of success but need consistency to secure their roles.
Cole has adjusted his stance over the winter to better cover the outer half of the plate, aiming to reduce his 35.1% strikeout rate from last season. Loperfido made strides by lowering his strikeout rate by 10.1% with the Blue Jays, though his high .431 BABIP suggests some of his success might not be sustainable.
As the Astros navigate this outfield conundrum, the potential for growth is evident. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining which players step up to solidify their place in Houston's plans for the season.