3 Astros position battles to watch in Spring Training.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros have more competition for roster spots this spring than in any season in the past decade. That’s not surprising news considering they have played in more postseason games (99) than any other team since the start of the 2017 season and have been brimming with talent.
A look around the roster still reveals the presence of stars like Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Christian Walker, Framber Valdez and Josh Hader, but the Astros don’t have the depth they’ve had in recent years. That’s great news for a handful of players looking to make Houston’s Opening Day roster when the season starts in five weeks.
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“There’s bench opportunities that guys are competing for spots, along with some of our relievers,” manager Joe Espada said. “I’ll be watching closely. I’m excited about our young players and they’ll be playing a lot early.”
With Grapefruit League play set to begin Saturday with Houston’s split-squad games against the Nationals (home) and Mets (road), here’s a look a three key position battles:
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The right stuff
In the wake of Kyle Tucker being traded to the Cubs in December, the Astros were quick to anoint Chas McCormick as the starter in right field to begin the season. Espada has said McCormick will have a shorter leash this year if he’s struggling offensively like he did for most of last season, so the position is anything but set.
He’ll be pushed by Taylor Trammell, who was acquired in a trade in November and is out of Minor League options, and Ben Gamel, who returned to Houston on a one-year deal. Both bat left-handed, which was a position of need for the Astros heading into the offseason. Cooper Hummel is in the mix, as well.
A wild card is Houston’s No. 6 prospect Zach Dezenzo, who was a shortstop in college but has played mostly third base in the Minor Leagues and played left field in winter ball. His athleticism, versatility and offensive profile make him a candidate to break camp with the club, and he could get some exposure in right depending on how the roster shakes out.
Zach Dezenzo on preparing, excitement for the season
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Who’s on second?
Altuve has been working out almost exclusively in left field so far this spring and appears to be on his way to starting the season as an outfielder. That would open up a spot at second base, a position which Altuve has held down since the 2011 season.
Mauricio Dubón who filled in at second when Altuve missed the first 44 games of the 2023 season is likely to start this season at second — though his best value remains as a versatile bench weapon. He started games at seven different positions last year and was the American League Gold Glove winner at the utility position in ‘23.
