As the 2024 season progresses, Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick faces significant challenges. After a solid performance last year, where he batted .273 with an impressive .875 OPS, McCormick seemed poised to build on his success. However, the current season tells a different story. His batting average has plummeted to .202, and his OPS has dropped to .564. With only five doubles, one triple, and four home runs, McCormick’s numbers are far from last year’s 17 doubles, two triples, and 22 home runs.
Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks
McCormick’s struggles began early in the season, mainly due to a hamstring injury that hampered his performance. The injury eventually sidelined him, leading to a 10-day stint on the injured list starting May 1, retroactive to April 28. McCormick showed glimpses of his old form during his rehab assignment with the Corpus Christi Hooks and Sugar Land Space Cowboys. He returned to the Astros’ active roster on May 21, seemingly ready to make an impact.
Now, in August, with the hamstring issue behind him, the question remains: what is causing McCormick’s ongoing slump? Despite the injury no longer being a factor, his performance has not rebounded, and time is running out for him to turn things around.
Adjustments and Their Impact
One potential reason for McCormick’s struggles could be his minor adjustment to his batting stance during Spring Training. According to MLB.com, McCormick widened his stance to handle pitches down the middle better—a move that initially paid off during Grapefruit League play. The adjustment led to a hot streak, giving fans hope that he would carry this form into the regular season.
However, the results have yet to follow. McCormick’s struggles persisted despite a promising 3-for-3 performance against the Baltimore Orioles on June 22. Before that game, he had batted .205 over 130 plate appearances in 39 games. Unfortunately, the promising performance didn’t spark a turnaround; instead, McCormick batted a dismal .132 over the next 16 games and 41 plate appearances, ending the first half on a low note.
In the second half, McCormick’s woes have continued. He has managed a .200 average with just one home run and two RBIs over 45 plate appearances. With only two walks to his name, his confidence appears shaken. Astros general manager Dana Brown noted that confidence is crucial: “Hits come in bunches, and if he could put together three or four good games in a week, that could make a difference in his mental makeup.”
The Future: Will McCormick Bounce Back?
While Brown still believes in McCormick’s potential, the Astros are exploring other options. Rookie infielder Zach Dezenzo was recently seen taking fly balls in left field before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, signaling that McCormick’s playing time might be in jeopardy. The Astros also have other alternatives, such as Mauricio Dubón, who has played 37 games in left field, and rookie Pedro León, who could transition from right field to left.
McCormick’s future with the Astros remains uncertain. He is currently on a one-year, $2.85 million contract after avoiding arbitration ahead of the 2024 season. As he enters his second arbitration year this off-season, his performance in the remainder of this season could heavily influence his future with the team.
Chas McCormick’s 2024 season has been a struggle, and the clock is ticking for him to find his form. With other players ready to step up, the pressure is on McCormick to prove he can still be a valuable asset to the Houston Astros. Whether he can overcome this slump remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road to redemption won’t be easy.