CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS
Examining Astros outfield hierarchy and where Chas McCormick fits in
Apr 6, 2023, 4:32 pm
Chas McCormick is off to a hot start. Composite image by Jack Brame.
How the Astros most challenging offseason obstacle is a matter of philosophy
Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick’s spot in center field has not been guaranteed to begin the 2023 regular season.
While McCormick will forever live in the memories of fans for his heroic catch in Game Five of the 2022 World Series, this year has seen his time split with fellow outfielder Jake Meyers for the starting spot in center field.
Through seven games, McCormick has started in four and Meyers has started in three outings for the Astros. McCormick’s slashes are .286/.444/.571 and Meyers’ are .200/.273/.200 through those games.
While wins and losses are not directly correlated, the Astros are 2-2 with McCormick as the starter and 1-2 with Meyers.
Houston’s win against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday to avoid a series sweep saw McCormick hit a home run and also get a double in the bottom of the fourth inning that moved David Hensley to third. Hensley came around to score in the next at-bat.
The chomp is back. pic.twitter.com/4PgWl90AY2
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 5, 2023
While it is only a small sample size for both players, McCormick has showcased he is ahead of Meyers in terms of consistent production in center field. When it comes to who should get the bulk of play at any position, production should be the top priority.
Since the Astros lost George Springer to the Blue Jays in 2021, Houston has been seeking a stabilizing presence in center. McCormick and Meyers have been on the roster since 2021 jockeying for that position.
Only Dusty Baker knows his reasoning behind splitting the two outfielders relatively evenly this season. Perhaps it is a form of load management, perhaps he believes Meyers needs the at-bats and reps to potentially have a breakthrough.
Whatever the case, when it comes to the two outfielders for the Astros, McCormick is trending in the upward direction while Meyers is trending downward. If it continues, the Pennsylvania native could make it to where he leaves no choice but for him to become a consistent starter.
For years, the Astros built their dynasty on precision — smart bets, savvy scouting, and a steady refusal to let emotion cloud judgment. But as the 2025 season rolls into June, that precision feels dulled. Houston still wears the polish of a perennial contender, but underneath, the gears are grinding. A thin lineup, a faltering rotation, and a public misfire in player health management have created a team still standing, but no longer towering.
Houston still has a great chance to win the AL West, thanks more to the division’s mediocrity than its own dominance. But the warning lights are flashing.
Identifying the weak link
The biggest concern right now? It’s hard to choose just one.
The Astros’ offense has been startlingly average — 14th in OPS, 18th in runs scored. When this team had Springer, Correa, Bregman, and peak Altuve, scoring was a given. Now, it’s a grind. Too much depends on too few — and when a key piece like Isaac Paredes slumps, as he has recently, the whole offense stutters.
But the lineup isn’t alone in its inconsistency. The back half of the rotation has become a weak point due to a rash of injuries. With Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown pulling their weight at the top, the drop-off behind them is stark. Houston used to bury teams with pitching depth; now it’s just hoping for enough quality starts to make their elite bullpen matter.
The Yordan situation
And then there’s Yordan Alvarez and his fractured hand.
The slugger’s delayed return raised eyebrows. The lack of clarity around his status raised more. It's hard not to boil this down to outright incompetence.
If this were a one-off, it might be brushed aside. But it’s not. It’s another example of a once-cutting-edge organization starting to look clumsy at the margins.
Wasting prime Framber?
All of this would feel less urgent if Houston were building toward something. The team’s decision to trade Kyle Tucker this past offseason spoke volumes. It wasn’t just about resetting the CBT. It was a pivot, a signal that the franchise was playing the long game. And with Framber likely on his way out after this season, the choice to pass on going all-in this year becomes even more glaring.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
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