WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - For Cavan Biggio, this spring training with the Houston Astros is more of a homecoming than a new chapter.
Having recently joined the Astros, Biggio brings with him a wealth of experience from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals. Yet, none of those teams hold the personal significance that Houston does for him.
“This organization has always been very special to me, and it’s an absolute honor to don the uniform now,” Biggio shared, reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to the Astros.
As the son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Cavan grew up immersed in Astros baseball, trailing his father through clubhouses and spring training fields back in Kissimmee before the team relocated to West Palm Beach.
“First time in West Palm, you know, I grew up running around the fields in Kissimmee with my brother, and those are some of the best memories of my life,” Biggio reminisced.
Astros superfan Donna Hopkins, a regular at spring training, fondly remembers those early days. She recalled a young Biggio signing autographs along the fence line, even when he might have been bending the rules.
“I was afraid to because your brother was saying Dad is going to get you,” Hopkins recounted. “And you said, ‘I got to give the people what they want.’”
While Biggio doesn’t recall the moment, it underscores his long-standing familiarity with the team.
However, the Astros didn’t bring Biggio on board just for nostalgia. Manager Joe Espada highlighted his left-handed hitting, defensive flexibility, and seasoned approach as key reasons for his addition to the roster.
“Lefty bat, can play multiple positions, professional approach from the left side, get on base, he’s got some power, the versatility,” Espada noted. “Looking forward to having him here and giving him opportunities to make the club.”
Biggio sees Houston as his best shot at securing a roster spot.
“The interest that they showed in me and obviously they needed a left-handed bat and some versatility, and I thought that I fit in really well with that and it gives me the best opportunity to make this club,” Biggio explained. “Obviously, Houston being home is a big plus for that.”