Rising stars for the Houston Astros
With spring training set to start in February, each team is filled with hope for a run at a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After 90 wins and another deep playoff run in 2023, the Houston Astros will look to continue their sustained success in 2024.
Here are three rising stars who will look to make an impact for the Astros in 2024.
Chas McCormick, outfield
2023 MLB stats: .273/.353/.489, 22 home runs, 70 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 115 games played
In his third season with the Astros, McCormick had a breakout season in 2023 and is primed to produce even more in 2024.
After a slow start to the season, McCormick started to pick things up in June before exploding in July slashing .351/.440/.688 with 12 extra-base hits and 23 RBI in 22 games.
Setting career highs in nearly all batting categories, the 28-year-old outfielder showed pop in his bat with 41 extra-base hits after having only 54 in his first two seasons.
He did this while providing the Astros with above-average defense at all three outfield positions, showing off the versatility that will make him a key part of the Astros' success this season.
Projected to be the starting left fielder for the Astros, McCormick is one to watch in 2024.
Yainer Diaz, catcher
2023 MLB stats: .282/.308/.538, 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 104 games played
Diaz had a very successful rookie campaign, breaking the Astros team record for home runs in a season by a catcher with 23.
He did all this after splitting time with defensive stalwart catcher Martin Maldonado, leading to only 104 games played for the 25-year-old.
Although he did most of his damage with the bases empty, slashing .307/.345/.583 with 13 home runs. Diaz will look to improve his game with runners in scoring position in 2024.
With Maldonado gone, Diaz is slotted to become the primary catcher for the Astros and is looking to be the long-term solution at catcher in Houston.
Bryan Abreu, relief pitcher
2023 MLB stats: 3-2, 1.75 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched
After ending 2023 with controversy, Abreu's stellar season should not be overshadowed by it.
A dominant force out of the bullpen for the Astros over the past two seasons, the 26-year-old right-hander has posted a 7-2 record with a 1.84 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 188 strikeouts in 132.1 innings pitched.
While he is not known by many outside of Houston fans, Abreu is a part of one of the best bullpen trios in baseball with big free-agent acquisition closer Josh Hader and former closer Ryan Pressly.
With two more seasons before free agency, the Astros will likely look to lock up the relief pitcher to be a key cog in their bullpen for years to come.
More must-reads: