After nine straight years of October baseball, the Houston Astros are in unfamiliar territory-watching the postseason from home. From 2017 to 2023, they were a model of consistency, racking up seven division titles and two World Series rings along the way.
But after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the franchise is clearly pivoting toward a reset. And that reset may include parting ways with center fielder Jake Meyers.
According to reports, the Astros are open to trading Meyers this offseason, but only if the return includes a controllable major-league starting pitcher-ideally someone with multiple years left before free agency. That’s not just a throwaway rumor. There’s real traction here, with several teams reportedly showing interest as Houston explores ways to retool its roster for 2026 and beyond.
Meyers, who turns 30 next season, isn’t a household name, but he’s quietly become a valuable asset-especially for teams looking to shore up center field without breaking the bank. Originally a 13th-round pick back in 2017, Meyers climbed the minor league ladder quickly and made his MLB debut in just three seasons.
While he’s spent much of his big-league time as a bench piece, he turned in his best season yet in 2025, slashing .292/.354/.373 with a .727 OPS. That’s solid production, but his real calling card is defense.
Meyers brings plus range and strong instincts in center, making him the kind of glove-first outfielder who can stabilize any outfield alignment.
And then there’s the contract. Meyers is still under team control for two more seasons and earned just $2.3 million in 2025.
That kind of affordability is gold in today’s market, especially for teams juggling payroll while chasing big-name free agents. That’s a big reason why clubs like the Phillies and Mets are reportedly circling.
Both teams have outfield needs heading into 2026. The Phillies saw Harrison Bader leave in free agency after a short but productive stint.
The Mets, meanwhile, made waves by trading Brandon Nimmo-freeing themselves from a long-term deal but not necessarily creating financial flexibility in the short term. In both cases, adding a cost-effective, defensively sound center fielder like Meyers could be a smart bridge move, especially if they’re also eyeing marquee names like Kyle Schwarber or Edwin Diaz.
The Rays, Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Royals are also reportedly in the mix, all looking to solidify their center field situations. For a player who’s flown under the radar for most of his career, Meyers is suddenly one of the more intriguing trade chips on the market.
From Houston’s perspective, this is about more than just moving a role player. It’s about maximizing value in a transitional phase.
The Astros know they need to fortify their rotation, and with Meyers’ rising stock and affordable contract, the timing makes sense. If they can flip him for a starter who’s not just a one-year rental, it could be a win-win move that helps them stay competitive while building for the future.
Bottom line: Jake Meyers might not be a star, but he’s exactly the kind of player who can make a difference-both on the field and on the books. And in an offseason where so many teams are trying to thread the needle between spending big and staying flexible, that makes him a name worth watching.