Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Still Have Free Agent Options to Help In Altuve's Absence

The Houston Astros can still turn towards the free agent market to help mitigate the loss of Jose Altuve after he broke his hand in the World Baseball Classic.
Kade Kistner|
Houston Astros Still Have Free Agent Options to Help In Altuve's Absence
Houston Astros Still Have Free Agent Options to Help In Altuve's Absence

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Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have lost their star second baseman Jose Altuve to a broken right thumb that will require surgery. He is expected to miss 8-10 weeks as he recovers. 

The next obvious question is "who will replace him?" David Hensley seems to be a front runner and we have explained in depth why he makes the most sense. 

Mauricio Dubón is another option to find playing time at the keystone if the Astros so decide to go that way.

That being said, there are some free agent options still remaining on the market that have gone unsigned. 

The biggest names that come to mind are Andrelton Simmons and Jonathan Villar. 

Simmons most recently played for the Chicago Cubs in 2022, but his performance was less than inspiring. In 34 appearances, Simmons slashed .173/.244/.187. But 2022's numbers seem more of a blip when compared to his career .263/.312/.366.

During the winter prior to the 2016 MLB season, Simmons was one of the most highly sought after shortstops in the league. While he likely won't return to form, he could still play above-average defense at second and potentially add some life to the lineup. 

As for Villar, he also found playing time in 2022 with the Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels. He is entering his age-32 season and has been on a steady decline at the plate since the 2019 MLB season.

However, he could be a veteran depth piece to that could help in the case of any injuries sustained to Hensley or Dubón.

Neither are flashy moves and both would likely be just for the interim until Altuve returns. However, their veteran presence in the clubhouse along with any production they can provide on the field or in the lineup cannot be understated. 

Sometimes the peace of mind is worth the price of admission. 

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

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  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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