Astros' Chas McCormick Clears Waivers, Elects Free Agency

"MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz had McCormick projected to get $3.4MM in arbitration next season. While that projected salary may have been too high to entice suitors as a waiver claim, teams can now pursue McCormick as a bounce-back candidate at a cheaper price. The 30-year-old is under team control through the 2027 season and was quite productive in the not-too-distant past."

"Injuries limited McCormick to 267 plate appearances in 2024, and he struggled mightily when healthy. McCormick's wRC+ was more than cut in half compared to 2023, falling from 132 to 65. He continued to scuffle in 2025, slashing .210/.279/.290 in 66 games. An oblique injury cost him a month of action. McCormick was demoted in September and finished the season at Triple-A Sugar Land."

"McCormick debuted in 2021 and immediately emerged as a steady producer for Houston. He popped 14 home runs in just 320 plate appearances as a rookie, while providing strong defense. McCormick took a step forward in terms of plate discipline the following season, cutting his strikeout rate by 6.5% and bumping his walk rate to an elite 11.3%. His power numbers took a step back, but the improved contact skills made up for it."

Chas McCormick cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment to elect free agency with more than three years of MLB service time. An arbitration projection of $3.4MM likely reduced waiver interest, but teams can pursue him now as a cheaper bounce-back candidate. The 30-year-old remains under team control through 2027. McCormick debuted in 2021, hit 14 homers in 320 plate appearances, improved plate discipline in 2022, and produced a breakout 2023 (.273/.353/.489). Injuries and poor performance limited him to 267 PAs in 2024 and 66 games in 2025, culminating in a demotion to Triple-A Sugar Land. Houston projects Yordan Alvarez and Cam Smith in the corners while center field remains uncertain.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors