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The Astros have been set at second base from 2012 to 2024. Last year, the Stros tried to move mainstay future-hall-of-famer second baseman Jose Altuve to left field, but despite his current defensive liabilities at second (and left), he ended the season mostly at second or DH.
However, with the acquisition of Carlos Correa at last year’s trade deadline and a returning Isaac Paredes, the Astros have two very capable third basemen, and in Jeremy Pena, an All-Star shortstop. It is hard to conceive of Correa or Paredes on the bench, and although Paredes would be an offensive improvement over current first baseman Christian Walker, $20 million a years says Walker stays at first, at least to begin the 2026 season.
So where does the face of the Astros play in 2026? At this stage in his career he is possibly the worst defensive second baseman in baseball, and furthermore he appears to be a declining offensive asset. If he plays second, Correa or Paredes sits. If he DH’s, Yordan Alvarez plays left field who is also defensive liability, and playing every day strains his fragile physique.
Perhaps Altuve and Alvarez alternate at left and DH, but then who plays second? Paredes has seen limited time at second, but most believe he has too limited range for the middle infield. Would Correa consider another change of position and if he plays second are you wasting his rubber arm?
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