The Houston Astros' annual FanFest event was a bustling affair, with the main focus on sorting out the crowded infield mix. With stars like Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes, Carlos Correa, and Christian Walker all vying for playing time, not to mention Yordan Alvarez manning the designated hitter role, it's a challenging puzzle for manager Joe Espada. The manager's creative approach is essential to finding a balance and keeping everyone healthy.
Altuve, a career second baseman, started the season as Houston's primary left fielder, but his results were underwhelming. With a -10 Defensive Runs Saved and -5 Outs Above Average in his 47 appearances on the grass, it's clear he's not a natural outfielder. However, Altuve remained a productive offensive player, swatting 26 home runs and stealing 10 bases, and he stayed on the field, appearing in 155 games, his most since 2016.
Paredes and Matthews will also get reps at second base, with Matthews also getting opportunities in center field. Paredes, who played strictly third base in his first season in Houston, has experience at all four infield spots, and his work at second base has been passable. However, the real key is getting Paredes' bat in the lineup, as his pull-heavy, fly ball-driven approach worked well in 2025.
MLB.com labels Matthews as Houston's top prospect, and he's likely the best glove the Astros could utilize at the position. However, there's a question of whether he can make enough contact to earn regular at-bats, as he had a 27.9% strikeout rate with Sugar Land last season. Adding Matthews to the infield mix would further muddle a crowded situation.
The Astros' infield glut could be sorted out by a trade or two, with general manager Dana Brown stating that several players are drawing interest. Walker and Jesus Sanchez are two names that fall into that bucket, and Boston has interest in Paredes, though a deal isn't believed to be close. In terms of additions, Brown mentioned looking for a left-handed hitter to offset the righty-laden lineup.
The Astros' outfield issues are also a concern, with the free agent market for lefty-swinging outfielders barren, especially with Max Kepler missing the first half of the year. Michael Conforto, Adam Frazier, and Mike Tauchman are among the remaining options who earned semi-regular playing time in 2025. The trade market would yield more interesting candidates, with Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu being considered.
Brown has a couple of months to make adjustments to a team that missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016. He's committed to making the team better, stating, 'We're going to continue to grind all the way up until spring training and maybe even in spring training. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned for making this team a better team.'
