How Should The Astros Handle Their Infield This Summer?

The Astros entered the season with multiple infield options, including Christian Walker at first, Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Peña at short, and Carlos Correa at third, while Yordan Alvarez primarily handled designated hitter duties. Early injuries quickly changed the plan: a hamstring strain sent Peña to the injured list, moving Correa to short and making Isaac Paredes the regular third baseman. Correa later suffered an ankle injury requiring season-ending surgery, leading to temporary shortstop coverage by journeymen and Braden Shewmake until Peña could return. When Peña neared activation, Altuve hit the injured list. All players remain under club control through 2027, but the roster fit may stay awkward unless injuries or performance shift again. With a 20–31 record and many key players injured or struggling, Houston is still within five games of a playoff spot due to broader American League underperformance, making a seller approach possible this summer.

"On paper, they had Christian Walker at first base, Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Peña at short and Carlos Correa at third. With Yordan Alvarez set to be in the designated hitter spot most days, that didn't leave a clear opening for Isaac Paredes, who would have to bounce around and cover other spots whenever someone was taking an occasional off-day."

"A hamstring strain sent Peña to the injured list in mid-April, which allowed Correa to become the shortstop and Paredes the regular third baseman. Peña was nearing a rehab assignment a few weeks later when Correa suffered an ankle injury that required a season-ending surgery. The club used glove-first journeymen and Braden Shewmake to cover short until Peña got back. Once Peña was ready to be activated, Altuve hit the IL."

"All of these players are still under club control for the 2027 season. The Astros could hang onto all of them. It would mean starting another season with a mildly clunky roster fit, but something would likely come along to again break up the logjam."

"Due to a mounting pile of injuries, they're out to an awful 20-31 start. Only the Rockies and Angels have a worse record. Due to almost the entire American League underperforming so far, Houston is technically only five games back of a playoff spot, but climbing back in the race is going to be a challenge when so many of their key performers are injured or struggling."

Read at MLB Trade Rumors