Following the significant Kyle Tucker trade last month, the Houston Astros are facing critical decisions regarding their outfield lineup. Currently, Jake Meyers is set to take the center field position, while Chas McCormick is expected to start in right field. Meyers is known for his remarkable defensive skills, yet his offensive performance has been less impressive. On the other hand, McCormick has shown potential as a strong hitter in previous seasons, but he is coming off a challenging year that raised concerns about his consistency and ability to contribute effectively.

The left field position remains completely unfilled. Although Yordan Alvarez might get a few opportunities to play there, the Astros prefer to utilize him predominantly as a designated hitter. The projected left fielder according to RosterResource is former top prospect Taylor Trammell, who only started one major league game last season. Trammell had a commendable performance in Triple-A but has struggled at the MLB level, posting a batting line of .167/.270/.368 over 359 plate appearances. Should Trammell not be the option, utility player Mauricio Dubón would likely see the majority of playing time. As they aim for the AL West title, the Astros must secure at least one reliable outfielder before Opening Day.

General manager Dana Brown has openly recognized the need for a new outfielder. The team is specifically on the lookout for a left-handed hitter, which would provide flexibility in resting McCormick or Meyers during the long season. Currently, the Astros are positioned just above the competitive balance tax threshold, making a pursuit of Anthony Santander unlikely. If financial constraints are a concern, they will need to explore more budget-friendly options to bolster their lineup.

Exploring Free Agency Options for Outfield Help

Jurickson Profar: Profar may also exceed the Astros’ budget. As of last month, this switch-hitting left fielder was seeking a contract of at least three years. He stands out as the best available outfielder in free agency beyond Santander. While his career has seen ups and downs, Profar is coming off a stellar season, boasting a .280/.380/.459 batting line with 24 homers and significantly improved exit velocities. Approaching his 32nd birthday in February, he’s a fitting candidate for Houston, especially as they have previously committed to older players like José Abreu and Christian Walker. However, finances could pose a barrier to signing him.

Alex Verdugo: Throughout his time with the Red Sox, Verdugo has been a capable, albeit inconsistent, everyday player. He maintained a .281/.338/.424 batting average over four seasons in Boston. After being traded to the Yankees, he struggled through the worst season of his career, finishing with a .233/.291/.356 line across 621 plate appearances. His early season performance was promising, but he faltered significantly thereafter. At 29 in May, he does have potential for a rebound, making him an intriguing option for teams like Houston that are in a win-now mindset. A one-year contract for less than the $10MM received by Max Kepler from Philadelphia seems likely.

Jesse Winker: Among the available options, Winker possesses an impressive offensive profile. Last season, he recorded a .258/.366/.422 line with 13 home runs in 404 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers. Overall, he has a career .276/.379/.462 batting average, taking advantage of matchups. While he struggles against left-handed pitching, his capability against right-handers makes him valuable. The drawback lies in his defensive skills; he is not well-suited for left field and is better utilized as a designated hitter. The Astros would need to rotate him with Alvarez or depend on Winker for regular left field play. The favorable dimensions of the Crawford Boxes in Houston could make this arrangement viable, and he may command a two-year deal at a reasonable price.

Jason Heyward: After being released by the Dodgers, Heyward wrapped up the 2024 season with the Astros, hitting four home runs in just 24 games. Despite a decent finish, his overall performance with Los Angeles included a disappointing .208/.289/.393 line over 197 plate appearances. As he approaches his 35th birthday, he would serve best as a strong-side platoon player or even a bench option. If Houston pursues him, he could likely be secured for a one-year contract at a modest salary.

David Peralta: Similar to Heyward, Peralta has transitioned into a platoon role as he nears his late 30s. He enjoyed a strong season with the Padres, finishing with a .267/.335/.415 line over 260 plate appearances. While the Astros might prefer to re-sign Heyward for his experience and versatility, Peralta’s recent performance makes him a compelling candidate if they decide to go down this route.

Identifying Trade Candidates to Strengthen the Outfield

Jesús Sánchez: Looking beyond Sandy Alcántara and the salary commitments to released outfielder Avisaíl García, Sánchez stands out as one of the highest-paid players on the Marlins. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz predicts his salary at $3.2MM for his second arbitration trip. While this isn’t exorbitant, the Marlins are in the midst of a full rebuild and have shown a willingness to trade players. Sánchez, once a top prospect, has established himself as a low-end regular, showcasing a .252/.313/.417 performance with 18 homers and 16 stolen bases. His defensive capabilities are around average for either corner outfield position, making him a potential upgrade over Trammell.

Mike Yastrzemski: At the start of the offseason, it seemed the Giants would trade one of their arbitration-eligible players, and Yastrzemski, with a $9.25MM salary for his final year of club control, appeared to be the most logical candidate. However, San Francisco has remained relatively quiet since their Willy Adames deal, suggesting they may not be looking to offload salary. Yastrzemski’s performance included a .231/.302/.437 line with 18 home runs across 474 plate appearances, which makes him an intriguing, albeit inconsistent, option.

Willi Castro: Castro brings versatility as a switch-hitting utility player with over 800 innings of left field experience. He has enjoyed a solid two-year stint with the Twins, hitting .251/.334/.395 over 1044 plate appearances. After being non-tendered by the Tigers, he emerged as a valuable asset for Minnesota. Entering his final arbitration winter, Castro is projected for a $6.2MM salary. While the Twins value his versatility and presence in the clubhouse, they may need to consider trading him to alleviate their tight budget constraints.

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Houston has additional trade candidates if they wish to pursue a more significant acquisition. Players like Wilyer Abreu, Jake McCarthy, and Alec Burleson may be available, but acquiring them would likely require a more substantial prospect return than what would be needed for Sánchez, Yastrzemski, or Castro. Given that the Astros recently traded Tucker to enhance a thin farm system while aiming to remain competitive, this scenario seems less likely.