How Astros' spring of enthrall (and concern) could force unexpected moves by Houston
BUCKLE UP!
06 March
BUCKLE UP!
As the Astros gear up for the season, several key questions loom over the team, from depth concerns at first base to emerging leadership roles and long-term positional shifts.
Can the Astros withstand a Christian Walker injury?
Houston made a big bet on soon-to-be 34-year-old Christian Walker as its everyday first baseman, but what happens if he misses time with his oblique injury? Jon Singleton, the primary backup, is in excellent shape but has struggled this spring, hitting just .118. Here's something to keep an eye on. Walker's injury could also create a platoon situation between Singleton and Victor Caratini. Either way, the Astros' depth at the position could be tested early, raising concerns about whether their strategy of signing aging stars could backfire again.
Hunter Brown taking on leadership role
Pitcher Hunter Brown is stepping into a leadership position this season, according to both Spencer Arrighetti and manager Joe Espada. With veterans like Justin Verlander no longer in the clubhouse, Brown's rise as a vocal presence signals a changing of the guard within the Astros’ rotation. Which could be an even bigger factor when Framber Valdez likely exits after the season with free agency looming. Plus, Arrighetti is working on a new secret pitch. Could it be a splitter?
Peña gets the green light to run
Jeremy Peña’s elite sprint speed (98th percentile) has long made him a stolen base threat, but he didn’t have the green light last year. That could be changing in 2025, as Espada appears to be giving Peña the freedom to run. The shortstop has set an ambitious goal of 50 stolen bases—and has a bet in place with first base coach Dave Clark based on that number. Espada, however, predicts a more conservative 30 steals.
Cam Smith’s position switch?
Cam Smith has been a standout at camp, earning praise from GM Dana Brown as the most exciting player to watch. However, with just five games of Double-A experience, counting on him at the big-league level seems premature. Adding to the intrigue, first base coach Dave Clark revealed that Smith has begun working in the outfield. This development, paired with the Astros’ reported interest in Nolan Arenado, suggests the team may view Smith as an outfielder long-term. Should Arenado have waived his no-trade clause, his contract would have blocked Smith at third base for at least three years, making a position switch logical for the young prospect.
Jake Meyers’ defense vs. offensives struggles
Jake Meyers’ bat remains a question mark, but his defense—particularly his range on balls to his glove side in the left-center gap—could be a crucial asset with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez manning left field. Meyers has been named the starter in center field, so he's not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. It's no secret that center field is massive at Daikin Park, and the Astros have valued defense in that spot in recent years, going back to when Myles Straw roamed the outfield.
We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we cover the topics above and much, much more!
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After a light day on Wednesday, the Texans put the pads back on for an intense Thursday practice. One of the newest Texans, CJ Gardner-Johnson has drawn a lot of attention at camp. Which should be expected when a Super Bowl champion safety joins the team.
Earlier in the week, things got a little heated between Gardner-Johnson and tight end Cade Stover, which made headlines. Unfortunately for CJ, he's in the news for a very different reason on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, Gardner-Johnson is dealing with a right leg injury, and was carted off the field.
Next steps: testing, MRI expected for #Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson who is currently inside @The_Greenbrier Sports Performance Center being examined by team medical personnel @KPRC2 https://t.co/PDRwOMACNe https://t.co/9CZXqApWDA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025
The extent of the injury won't be known until more test are taken. But based on the vibes, this does not sound good.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update after practice.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans called the C. J. Gardner-Johnson injury “heartbreaking.” pic.twitter.com/X2UQP1qK9T
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 7, 2025
The Texans are now suddenly thin at the safety position if Gardner-Johnson misses significant time. Safety Jaylen Reed is already out with an injury, per Aaron Wilson" target="_blank">Aaron Wilson, and Jimmie Ward is recovering from foot surgery, and dealing with some legal troubles.
Up next
The Texans head to Minnesota to play their first preseason game against the Vikings this Saturday.