It’s no secret that the Astros’ outfield has been a major concern recently, especially with Kyle Tucker sidelined on the IL due to a shin “contusion.” Since Tucker’s last appearance on June 3, the Astros’ outfield has been among the least productive in the league, with only the Blue Jays posting a lower wRC+ (75) than the Astros (77). This includes Yordan Alvarez’s 113 plate appearances and impressive 168 wRC+ as a left fielder this season. Ben Gamel, with just 24 plate appearances as of Tuesday, had a higher wRC+ (204) than Alvarez, though it’s a very small sample size. No other Houston outfielder has managed a wRC+ above Jake Meyers’ 72 since Tucker’s injury.
Welcome to H-Town, Jason!#Relentless pic.twitter.com/Tn6X7pciDk
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 29, 2024
To address this issue, the Astros turned to Gamel earlier in August, who has provided a much-needed boost since joining the team. However, GM Dana Brown wasn’t done making moves, as the team has now officially added another veteran outfielder, Jason Heyward, to the roster.
In a corresponding move, the Astros sent Chas McCormick to Sugar Land to clear a spot in the outfield for Heyward and designated Janson Junk for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Heyward, who was released by the Dodgers earlier this month, is expected to bolster Houston’s corner outfield depth. Despite a strong 2023 season with the Dodgers, where he hit 15 home runs and posted a 120 wRC+ over 124 games, Heyward’s performance has declined in 2024, with a 90 wRC+ in just 63 games. The primary changes have been an increase in groundballs (up by around 10%) and reduced effectiveness against high-velocity pitches. For instance, his wOBA against four-seam fastballs dropped from .472 last season to .303 this season, and his production against pitches thrown 95 mph or higher has significantly decreased compared to 2023.
For the Astros, the key consideration isn’t so much Heyward’s success in 2023, though that likely influenced the decision to sign him. Instead, it’s about how his 90 wRC+ this season, combined with his defensive capabilities, still represents an upgrade over the current outfield options. With Joe Espada hesitant to play Alvarez in left field more than necessary, Brown couldn’t afford to wait any longer for the outfield to improve. Gamel, who quickly made an impact after being released by the Mets, has taken on a prominent role. Heyward, even if he only hits around league average, is expected to do the same.
The Astros optioned Bryan King to Triple-A to clear a spot for Ryan Pressly on the 26-man roster and DFAd Janson Junk to open a spot for Jason Heyward on the 40-man. Heyward will wear No. 22
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 29, 2024
As for the other outfielders, the situation will become even more complicated when Tucker returns from his injury—hopefully soon. Mauricio Dubón will likely see more time in the infield, while Jake Meyers’ position as the primary center fielder appears safe for now. However, it’s clear that Gamel and Heyward were brought in to shore up one of the league’s weakest outfields this summer. With the AL West title on the line, the Astros are willing to try something new to bring their outfield performance up to par, or at least closer to being respectable.
