As the Houston Astros get prepared for the start of the 2024 season, there aren't many pressing needs on the roster. The Astros are loaded offensively in their starting lineup but multiple players will have an opportunity to earn a bench spot with Jon Singleton and Grae Kessinger during Spring Training.
There seemingly is one candidate makes more sense than others.
According to Theo DeRosa of MLB.com, Trey Cabbage is a candidate to make the Opening Day roster.
Cabbage, 26 years old, was traded to Houston from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Carlos Espinosa earlier in the offseason.
He made his Major League debut in 2023, playing in 22 games for the Angels. Cabbage slashed .208/.232/.321 with one home run. Strikeouts were a concern for him at the big league level, striking out 26 times in 53 at-bats.
Despite his struggles in the MLB, Cabbage has played well in the minors. He's slashed .261/.336/.473 in 2,037 at-bats with 96 home runs.
Cabbage impressed in Triple-A during the 2023 season, blasting 30 home runs and stealing 32 bags.
That's the type of production that's needed out of him as the Astros look to potentially give him an Opening Day roster spot.
Spring Training won't be the end-all-be-all for his career, but a strong showing could be a huge help. He's had two at-bats so far, going hitless with a strikeout in the early showing.
30 home runs and 32 stolen bases in Triple-A is a good sign that he should find success at some point in the big leagues.
Whether he gets that opportunity to get consistent at-bats remains to be seen.
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