How Astros infield domino effect could pay dividends for revenge tour
BANK ON IT!
12 February 2024
BANK ON IT!
The Houston Astros now how their middle infield set for the foreseeable future, with Jose Altuve locked up for six more years and Jeremy Pena under contract through 2027.
Jose Abreu is still under team control for another two seasons, and we all know Alex Bregman could be playing his last year in an Astros uniform.
And let's face it, even if Yainer Diaz doesn't take a step forward this season, there's no way he'll hit worse than Martin Maldonado. So as we examine the infield over the next few years, Jeremy Pena looks like the biggest question mark.
Will he continue to struggle with the bat like last season, or will he bounce back and regain the power he showcased in 2022? Pena is very tough to predict. He went from World Series MVP to a player that had to be pinch hit for in the ALCS last season.
Pena has been working on a new swing this offseason that he's excited to unleash in 2024. Which got us wondering, if he finds his power stroke again, is that enough to say that he had a bounce back season?
When looking at the numbers, the simple answer is yes. He improved his on-base percentage and batting average in 2023. If he can continue to build on that and get back to swatting over 20 homers a season, the Astros infield will be in good shape.
Plus, we all hope Jose Abreu can return to form as well. After a lackluster regular season, Abreu really got things going in the playoffs. Many believe rest was a big part of his postseason success.
If he gets off to a slow start, should the Astros consider platooning him from time to time to get the best version of Abreu?
While many people saw the Astros trade for Trey Cabbage as a left-handed bat that can play the outfield, there's another layer to his game.
Cabbage played over 50 games at first base in the minors last season. So he could be an option with some serious power that could fill in at first.
Finally, if the Astros do move on from Alex Bregman, could Mauricio Dubon be an option to take his place? Certainly he'll never be the hitter Bregman is, or walk nearly as much. But he could be a serviceable option while the Astros look for a permanent Bregman replacement.
Don't miss the video above as we break it all down.
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Cam Smith hit two of Houston's five home runs and finished with four hits as the Astros routed the Athletics 13-3 on Tuesday night to halt their four-game winning streak.
CAM SOLO SHOT!#VoteCam ⭐️ https://t.co/W06pfHQMR1 pic.twitter.com/7rrvEtpEm0
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 18, 2025
Jason Alexander, claimed off waivers from the Athletics last month, pitched six shutout innings for Houston before tiring in the seventh. Mauricio Dubón, Christian Walker and Cooper Hummel also homered for the Astros.
Smith and Dubón went back-to-back in the fourth.
AIRCRAFT. CARRIER. #VoteCam pic.twitter.com/UcXm8NVs60
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 18, 2025
Smith connected for leadoff shots in the second and fourth. He drove in three runs and scored three times. The 22-year-old rookie has five major league homers — and two multihomer games.
Dubón followed Smith's second home run with his second this season for a 5-0 lead against A's starter JP Sears, who walked the bases loaded in the first before giving up a two-run single to Jake Meyers.
Smith finished off his first four-hit game with an RBI double in the eighth.
Alexander (1-0) threw a season-high 95 pitches in his 12th career start and first since Sept. 18, 2022, with Milwaukee. He allowed three runs — two earned — and three hits.