Astros Young Star Could Become Their Center Fielder of the Future
The Houston Astros will be dealing with the sting of their ALCS defeat for some time.
It's not a feeling that is foreign to this group though.
Despite all the success that the Astros have had, they've lost in the ALCS and World Series multiple times in the past.
The most remarkable thing about Houston is that they are able to make adjustments before the next season and put themselves in a position to win a championship seemingly every year.
They'll draw on those experiences and retool heading into 2024.
One area that will need to be figured out is what to do in center field.
The Astros deployed a platoon approach during the 2023 season, rotating multiple players at that position.
Jake Meyers started 87 games, Chas McCormick started 51 and Mauricio Dubon started 24.
McCormick is the one who emerged as a star.
He posted career best numbers in his third MLB season, finishing with a slash line of .273/.353/.489, 22 home runs and 70 RBI.
Many within the front office were upset that manager Dusty Baker didn't use the 28-year-old more amidst his breakout year.
But with Baker now retired, the new manager they bring in might prefer to have a more stable presence in center field.
McCormick would seemingly be that guy.
Despite starting the most games, Meyers was left off the ALCS roster as his playing time started to dwindle in favor of their burgeoning star and Dubon.
There's a chance that one of these players gets moved in the offseason as well if the front office thinks they can add another piece to their starting rotation or bullpen.
McCormick seems to have the support of the front office and is likely here to stay.
