JUST IN: Astros Sign another key high rated profile to league deal
It’s well known that the Astros’ outfield has struggled lately, especially with Kyle Tucker sidelined on the IL due to a shin contusion. Since Tucker’s last game on June 3, the Astros’ outfield has been one of the least productive in baseball, with a wRC+ of just 77—only the Blue Jays have fared worse with a wRC+ of 75. This includes Yordan Alvarez’s 113 plate appearances and impressive 168 wRC+ as a left fielder this season. Apart from Ben Gamel, who had a 204 wRC+ in a very small sample size of 24 plate appearances, no other Houston outfielder has managed a wRC+ higher than Jake Meyers’ 72 since Tucker’s injury.
To address the outfield depth, the Astros turned to Gamel earlier in August, who has provided a boost since joining the team. However, General Manager Dana Brown wasn’t finished and has now officially added another veteran outfielder, Jason Heyward, to the roster.
Welcome to H-Town, Jason!#Relentless pic.twitter.com/Tn6X7pciDk
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 29, 2024
As a result, the Astros optioned Chas McCormick to Sugar Land to create an opening in the outfield for Jason Heyward. Additionally, the club designated Janson Junk for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
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
After being released by the Dodgers earlier this month, Jason Heyward joins the Astros to strengthen their corner outfield depth. However, following a resurgence in 2023 with Los Angeles—where he hit 15 home runs and posted a 120 wRC+ over 124 games—Heyward’s performance has declined in 2024, with his wRC+ dropping to 90 in just 63 games. The main culprits for this regression are an increase in groundballs (up by around 10%) and a notable decline in his ability to handle higher velocity pitches. For instance, his wOBA against four-seam fastballs has fallen from .472 last season to just .303 this year. Similarly, his production against pitches thrown at 95 mph or higher has taken a significant hit compared to 2023.
For the Astros, the focus isn’t so much on Heyward’s 2023 numbers, although they likely influenced the decision to sign him. It’s more about how Heyward’s 90 wRC+ this season and his defensive arm in the outfield still represent an upgrade over their current options. With manager Joe Espada hesitant to play Yordan Alvarez in left field more than necessary, General Manager Dana Brown couldn’t afford to wait any longer for Houston’s outfield to improve. Ben Gamel, who quickly found a prominent role after being released by the Mets, has already made an impact. Heyward, even if he performs at league average, is expected to carve out a similar role.
For the other outfielders on the roster, the situation could become even more complicated once Kyle Tucker returns from his injury—assuming he does. Mauricio Dubón may see his role shift more to the infield if that happens, while Jake Meyers’ position as the primary center fielder appears secure for now. However, it’s clear that Gamel and now Heyward were brought in to stabilize what has been one of the weakest outfields in baseball this summer. With the AL West title on the line, the Astros are willing to make changes to bring their outfield closer to a competitive level.