Here’s how Astros optimize their championship lineup

PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT

The Houston Astros made news over the weekend when they opted to re-sign Michael Brantley and bring him back for the 2023 season. With that in mind, where should Brantley hit in the batting order? Brantley used to hit second frequently for Astros manager Dusty Baker before he was injured last season.

Now the two spot in the lineup has been filled by star rookie Jeremy Pena. So what should the Astros do? Move Brantley to seventh, or put Uncle Mike back in his old spot?

Be sure to check out the video above as the guys break it all down!

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The Tucker trade is already paying huge dividends. Composite Getty Image.

It’s starting to look like the Astros knew exactly what they were doing.

What once felt like a risky move is quickly shaping up to be a win for Houston — and maybe a defining pivot point for the franchise. In this episode, we dig into how the Astros may actually be better off in the wake of the Kyle Tucker trade, thanks to a new wave of production and smart roster-building.

Cam Smith continues to rise with another eye-catching performance, launching two home runs and making the case that he’s already ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Isaac Paredes has quietly emerged as a legitimate successor to Alex Bregman, offering power and presence in the infield.

And while Jeremy Peña wasn’t part of the Tucker deal, his 2024 resurgence adds even more fuel to the argument that this team is thriving — not surviving. The Astros aren’t just plugging holes. They’re planning for what’s next.

We also look at the bigger picture: What if Houston had moved on earlier from other aging or underperforming stars? Could they have been ahead of the curve even sooner?

So who’s really winning this breakup — the Astros or Kyle Tucker? We break it all down.

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