Latest on the Astros Infield Situation

The Astros are still looking for another left-handed bat. Brown has repeated this desire for multiple seasons and got left-handed hitting Jesús Sánchez at the trade deadline last season. However, they would consider a trade for another lefty bat if the right opportunity came up, and that is where a move on Paredes could happen.

Given the Astros’ infield logjam, it is quite possible that one could still get traded. Astros beat writer for The Athletic, Chandler Rome, did not even have Paredes in his starting nine. It listed Jose Altuve at second and Zach Cole in left field. Paredes is an All-Star, and leaving him on the bench seems a waste. 

More Details on Astros Infield Placements

One thing is clear. Espada seemed certain about Alvarez playing as a designated hitter most of the time. 

“I would like to give him most of his at-bats as a DH, and I will do everything in my power to keep him in the DH spot,” Espada said. 

Paredes’ role remains fluid if the Astros keep him. At FanFest, it was stated that Paredes will get playing time at second base.

The only way Paredes could be in the opening-day lineup is if Altuve or Alvarez is in left field or at DH. While having more depth can be a plus point, it’s likely the Astros lineup could rotate every day to fit everyone in. 

Brown gave examples of how Paredes will be used. Besides being the DH, even first base is now a possibility. Coming in for players who are on off days looks to be his role as well. That can be helpful, since the Astros begin the season with 26 games in 28 days.

Paredes could fill in at third base in place of Carlos Correa or have Correa move to shortstop on Pena’s off day. At the moment, the plan for Paredes is to fill up wherever the hole is. The Astros have veterans who would need more breaks throughout 162 games, like Altuve, Correa, or Walker. 

More Depth for the Astros

Altuve will have moments in left field, but will primarily be back at second base. 

“I feel like there’s enough playing time with the DH slot and the ability to move some guys around,” Brown said. When Alvarez gets his opportunities on the left, that opens the door for Paredes at either second or DH.

It seems like Cole will get some real opportunities in left field as well. The Astros realized the injury issues last season and understand that having an abundance of depth is a precaution to stabilize. 

“I think right now we have a really good infield. We do have the depth…we feel like if something goes wrong in the injury department, we have the depth,” said Brown.

Espada did not give any clear answers about his plan and wants the spring training results to provide them. 

Correa said he’s taken more ground balls this offseason than his last five combined. That was predictable given his new position in the infield at third base. He was already at Gold Glove level at third in the small transition time he had at the trade deadline. It’s possible Correa could be Gold Glove caliber at third this season. The left side of the infield with Pena is special. 

Additional Astros Updates

Espada mentioned that he’ll be giving Cam Smith some playing time in center field this season, besides his usual position of right. Given the Astros have Sanchez, who can also play corner outfield, Smith could be another option in center when Meyers is off. 

It was also stated at FanFest that Brice Matthews will also play second base and center field this season. The depth is looking more than great across the board defensively. The question is whether the Astros get enough offense from their outfield. 

Brown gave some clarity on right-hander Nate Pearson. The Astros will try to develop Pearson as a starter or swingman out of the bullpen. Houston already seems to have six starters, and Pearson could likely become a piece out of the pen that needs help. 

There is also nothing on a Hunter Brown extension at the moment. Given how situations with extensions have gone in the past with the Astros, fans would like this to be resolved sooner rather than later. Brown does remain under team control until 2028.