"With Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes, Carlos Correa, and Christian Walker all vying for playing time, not to mention Yordan Alvarez manning DH, it's a difficult puzzle to tackle. " We have to be creative," manager Joe Espada told reporters, including Chandler Rome of The Athletic. " And I have to find ways to get them all in the lineup and keep everyone healthy.""
"Altuve, a career second baseman, began last season as Houston's primary left fielder. The results were about what you'd expect from a 35-year-old playing the outfield for the first time. Altuve posted a miserable -10 Defensive Runs Saved and -5 Outs Above Average in his 47 appearances on the grass. Espada maintained the stance that Altuve would be back at second base in 2026, with only the occasional start in the outfield."
"Paredes played strictly third base in his first season in Houston, but he has experience at all four infield spots. The majority of his second base appearances came during his two full seasons with the Rays. Paredes made 44 starts at the keystone from 2022 to 2023. He's never been a standout defender at any spot, but his work at second base has been passable. Paredes has recorded -1 Defensive Runs Saved in his 456 2/3 innings there."
The Astros face a crowded infield situation with Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes, Carlos Correa, and Christian Walker competing for playing time while Yordan Alvarez remains DH. Manager Joe Espada said he must be creative to get all players into the lineup and keep everyone healthy. Altuve played left field last season with poor defensive results but remained offensively productive, hitting 26 home runs, stealing 10 bases, and appearing in 155 games. Isaac Paredes and Brice Matthews will receive reps at second base, with Matthews also getting center-field opportunities. Paredes has prior second-base experience and modest defensive metrics.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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