The Winter Meetings consistently kick off the offseason with a bang, lighting up the Hot Stove with free agency deals and burgeoning trade talks as the baseball community converges for an extended period.
The Houston Astros have remained relatively subdued, avoiding major trades this time. They focus on enhancing their bullpen and adding a backup catcher to their well-prepared roster. A key area of interest is their outfield configuration.
Initially, Jake Meyers was a topic of trade discussions, but it now appears the Astros have decided to keep him for the 2024 season.
Manager Joe Espada hinted at a competitive race for the center field position despite Meyers’ extensive experience there. However, General Manager Dana Brown has expressed a different view, affirming their commitment to Meyers as the primary center fielder to begin the year.
Brian McTaggart from MLB.com mentions the team’s admiration for Meyers’ defensive prowess and curiosity about his offensive potential. This commitment to Meyers raises questions about Chas McCormick’s role, especially after his standout 2023 season. As McTaggart reported, Brown envisions McCormick playing regularly, sharing time between left and center field. This suggests that Meyers and McCormick will be regular outfielders, along with Kyle Tucker in the right area, and Yordan Alvarez will likely serve as the primary designated hitter.
This contradiction between Brown and former manager Dusty Baker’s views on lineup choices sets an exciting tone for the new GM-manager relationship even before the season’s start.