Hard to believe that Opening Day is now less than two weeks away. And I can’t wait.
But my optimism about the outfield as currently constructed isn’t high. Other than Yordan Alvarez‘s bat in left field and Jake Meyers‘ defense, there isn’t a lot to like at the moment. And there are real questions about how much left field Alvarez will actually see and whether Meyers can replicate his pre-injury showing as a hitter in 2025.
While Dana Brown has voiced numerous times about the organization’s desire to acquire another left-handed hitter who can play the outfield, the Astros are currently banking on one of Cam Smith and Zach Cole to take that next step in their respective progressions. Smith, of course, had a strong start in 2025, posting a 123 wRC+ in his first 262 career plate appearances. In his next 231 plate appearances? Only a 53 wRC+, the lowest of any hitter with at least 200 plate appearances from June 29 onward. While his defense in right field was a bright spot, Smith at the plate was a truly difficult watch. Cole, though, left a lasting impression for the offseason, with a 142 wRC+ in 52 plate appearances. Strikeouts are a problem and could hamper any offensive upside at the plate, especially if he can’t cut the rate closer to 30% rather than 40%.
But will there be a game tonight?
If the game happens, we’ll get to see more of Smith and Cole against the Cardinals. I do find it interesting that Cole continues to get looks higher in the lineup, with Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes, and Christian Walker all scheduled to hit immediately behind him. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised, as Brown has been noticeably vocal about Cole’s potential earlier in the offseason, similar to the praise he had for Smith one calendar year ago.
We’ll see more of Taylor Trammell and Nick Allen, with César Salazar getting another start behind the plate. On the pitching side, Kai-Wei Teng gets the starting nod, opposite of Kyle Leahy for the Cardinals.
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Feature photo courtesy of Pixel Pete
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