Is Astros Fan Favorite Outfielder's Playing Time a Weighty Issue?

Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick has carved out a role as an outfielder and a fan favorite, especially in a season in which he's putting up some of the best numbers of his career.

When you focus on one particular number — OPS (on-base plus slugging), you find that McCormick — despite having fewer plate appearances than six other Astros — as an OPS that is 50 points higher than one of the game's true superstars, Seattle outfielder Julio Rodríguez.

That would warrant more playing time, right? Perhaps, everyday playing time? I mean, McCormick is slashing .289/.371/.527/.898 with a career-high 20 home runs and 63 RBI entering this weekend's series with the San Diego Padres.

In the previous series against Texas, McCormick started two games and pinch-hit in another. Manager Dusty Baker has made the point in recent days that, with the return of Michael Brantley, the Astros now have a healthy outfield and he will continue to rotate more players.

But, per The Athletic, the fact that Baker isn't playing McCormick more often has become a source of frustration within the front office. In fact, four different sources with knowledge of the situation told the outlet that McCormick's weight has become an issue for Baker.

McCormick is listed at 6-foot, 208 pounds at MLB.com. But, McCormick told The Athletic that he's playing at 220 this season. Part of that is the result of time spent on the injured list earlier this season, but part of that is because McCormick believes he's a better player at that weight.

"I feel I can do more being at 220 (lbs)," McCormick said. "Usually I’m at 216. When I’m 210, I’m too light. I was 214 last year, I think, and I felt too light again. I kind of like being where I’m at right now, at 220.”

Baker was asked directly on Wednesday whether McCormick's weight was a concern and he seemed taken aback by the question.

“No, why (would) you even ask that?" he said.

Baker went on to say that the team is always "aware of" a player's weight but it only becomes a concern if it impacts performance.

That clearly isn't the case here. McCormick is producing at career-high numbers, even though he's played fewer games in 2023 (95) than he did in 2022 (119) and 2021 (108).

From McCormick's point of view, Baker is the manager and he's the player. Baker sets the lineup and he does what he's asked.

“Right now, we’re OK. It’s really all about winning each game here on out (with) no distractions. We’re good," McCormick said.