Houston Astros Emerging Star Could Be Team's Most Important Player
There are a few questions surrounding the Houston Astros as they head into the offseason.
They have a packed outfield with five players who could start in an everyday role. Kyle Tucker will be in right field as long as he's healthy and Yordan Alvarez will start in left when he's not the designated hitter.
That leaves Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon rotating in center and left field just like last season.
Dubon is an interesting piece for the Astros heading into 2024.
He emerged as a impactful player, starting at second base when Jose Altuve was out with injury and became their best defensive center fielder.
This got him starts in the ALCS while Meyers was left off the roster completely.
Dubon could be Houston's most important player next season based on his role within the team.
As it stands right now, he would be the backup at four different positions. Based on the success he had at second base, earning a Gold Glove nomination, he could likely fill in at any spot across the infield as well.
If the 29-year-old doesn't find himself in the starting lineup, he would be the Astros' best pinch-hitting option off the bench.
There's a chance that the front office decides to move one of these center fielder options based on the log jam they have in the outfield.
Dubon seems to have played his way into a spot on the roster and Meyers could be the player that gets moved instead.
His versatility on the defensive end is incredibly important for a team that has started to pick up some nagging injuries the past couple seasons.
