Spring Training began in earnest last week and the Astros have already played a few spring games in Florida. It’s still incredibly early, but it’s never to early to look at some of the big storylines for the ballclub this spring.
This has been, without question, the most tumultuous offseason in a decade for the Astros. With huge names like Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and Ryan Pressly gone, there are more questions than we are used to having before Opening Day. So let’s try to answer a few.
Will Jose Altuve actually play left field…like for real?
All signs point to yes, shockingly. In what was initially a contingency plan if the Astros re-signed Bregman after trading for Isaac Paredes, it now seems to be a reality that Altuve will make the switch to the outfield, perhaps on a permanent basis. Craig Biggio did something similar toward the end of his tenure in Houston, arguably prolonging his career. An athlete as good as Altuve should be able to perform at a high level in left field, and the arm problems he had at second could be somewhat mitigated by running starts and the canon that is Jeremy Peรฑa’s right arm at shortstop. We haven’t seen Altuve in a spring game yet, but it’s coming and he will be in the outfield.
Who will replace him at second base?
That brings up the obvious question and it likely comes down to three players. Mauricio Dubon would seem the obvious fit. He’s a better fielder than Altuve and won the Gold Glove for utility players just two seasons ago. He also is a solid hitter for average, but the Astros may want to preserve his versatility. Cue the recent signing for former Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers, who is a light hitting infielder with a great glove and some injury history.
After Rodgers, there is minor leaguer Brice Matthews. Matthews was drafted in 2023 and has rocketed through the minors. He has already looked poised this spring, but he is not on the 40-man roster meaning the team would have to waive or demote someone if he were to be elevated.
Right now, it feels like an open competition with Dubon as the fallback if nothing else shakes out.
Which young players will make the Opening Day roster?
In addition to Matthews, a handful of position players like Zach Dezenzo, Pedro Leon, Jacob Melton, Shay Whitcomb and others could have an impact on the roster. Dezenzo seems most poised to make the club with Melton hampered early in camp by a minor injury. Cam Smith, the phenom the team brought over in the Tucker trade, should make it up at some point this season. As for pitching, Ryan Guston, Nick Hernandez and Colton Gordon all have a shot to earn a spot in the bullpen, assuming the team doesn’t want to keep the stretched as starters in the minors.
Who will fill out the bullpen?
Besides the aforementioned minor leaguers, we have yet to see Forrest Whitley pitch this spring. His arrival as a potential fireballer out of the bullpen is one of the more anticipated events of Spring Training. If he can make the transition, it could be a huge boost for a bullpen that is on the thin side at the moment. Also, Rafael Montero could make a comeback after being waived and brought back last season. No doubt, the Astros will be keeping an eye on the waiver wire and for potential trades to help bolster the pen, particularly early in the season.
