The Astros are deficient in left handed bats, and the solution may require more platooning
Why are we frequently calling for the Astros to acquire a lefthanded bat in the outfield? It’s no secret that the Astros’ lineup is unbalanced from the standpoint of LH and RH batting. This isn’t a new issue: you may remember that Dana Brown said he wanted to acquire lefty bats at the 2023 and 2024 mid-season deadline. The difference now is tha lineup is even more imbalanced due to the trade of lefty outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Over the past two years, the Astros were among the lower ranked teams in terms of the number of left handed bats in the lineup. (That’s not saying their leftanded batters were ranked low—in fact, just the opposite, because Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker were among the best LHBs in the league.) With Tucker traded and Singleton replaced at 1b by Christian Walker, the Astros basically rely on one left hand bat (Alvarez) to start frequently.
The shortage of left handed bats undoubtedly is reflected in the Astros’ 2024 batting performance against RH and LH starting pitchers. RH hitters generally perform better against LHP, but worse against RHB. Most LHB platoon splits are better against RHPs, which adds balance to the lineup.
Astros’ OPS vs. Starting Pitchers (2024)
RH Starting Pitcher .728
LH Starting Pitcher .772
Difference 44 points
The difference between the Astros’ OPS platoon splits against starting pitchers is much larger than the average MLB team. The average difference in OPS platoon split for MLB starting pitchers is only 1 point. The difference in the Astros team OPS vs. LH and RH pitchers would be even greater if it wasn’t for the fact that Alvarez and Tucker hit both Right and Left pitchers equally well . This skill is rare, and it’s unlikely that the Astros can acquire left handed bats with similar ability versus both righties and lefties.
As a team, the Astros’ 2024 RH bats hit for only a .685 OPS against RHPs. The RHBs were better against LHPs, producing a .732 OPS. Another strategic issue: the Seattle Mariners, probably the Astros main adversary for the AL West title, have starting pitchers whom are exceptionally tough on RH bats. The Mariners’ 2024 RH pitching staff allowed a .590 OPS vs. RHBs and a .703 OPS vs. LHBs.
With the changes in Astros’ team composition so far, an even smaller percentage of at bats will be taken by LHBs in 2025. To estimate the usage percentage for LHBs, I utilized the projected number of plate appearances (PA) shown on the 2025 Fangraphs depth chart. The left handed percentage is based on projected PA for Alvarez, Singleton, Trammel, Melton, and 20% of switch hitter Caratini’s projected PA (based on his left side proportion in 2024).
Data from Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference
The Astros were 11 percentage points more right handed than the average ML team in 2024, and that difference increases to 21% in the projected 2025 lineup. Note that Melton and Trammel are relatively untested and may or may not survive when they are called up.
One tactic to address the lineup imbalance is to engage in more aggressive platooning of batters in the OF. Platooning is about optimizing the team’s batting performance. Both Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers hit LHP better than righty pitchers and could benefit from platoon partners. However, Melton and Trammel are the only available platoon partners. Given his AAA performance, Melton probably needs a bit more seasoning. Trammel’s track record likely won’t guarantee him a place on the major league roster.
Another platoon option against RHPs is to play Alvarez in LF and place Singleton in the DH slot. (Caratini, a switch hitter, is another DH option; however, his stronger side is as a RHB.
If the Astros wait out the market, it’s possible that a free agent outfielder could become available at an affordable price. Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar are the most prominent LHB outfelders on the market. Either player would increase the offensive capacity from the left side. However, if the competitive balance tax constrains the Astros’ plans, Santander and Profar may fall outside the range of what the Astros are willing to pay.
Four free agent LHB outfielders are likely to be less costly and could be candidates to play a platoon role:
Jesse Winker
Winker appears to provide the best offense against RHPs. In 2024, he produce a 124 wRC+ against RHPs. For his career, he has posted a 128 wRC+ against RHPs. (His wRC+ against lefties is only 88). The downside is that his defense is a limiting factor. It’s possible that he would be limited to LF and the DH positions.
Ben Gamel
Dana Brown picked Gamel off waivers last year to provide a LHB option. He performed well in his brief Astros tenure before going on the IL with a leg fracture. Against RHPs Gamel hit .267 with a 117 wRC+ for the Astros and Mets last season. Over his career, Gamel has a .724 OPS against righty pitchers. (OPS of .688 vs lefties.) Gamel is not a big power hitter, but provides a solid OBP. If his leg is healed and he would accept a NRI, Gamel is a low risk platoon option.
Jason Heyward
Heyward is another player signed by the Astros late last season. At age 35, Heyward’s offense is waning. At this point in his career, Heyward’s usage needs to be strictly controlled to avoid facing LHPs. Last year was not a great season for Heyward, but he produced a 101 wRC+ against RHPs. Heyward has pretty good power against RHPs with a .209 ISO in 2024.
Alex Verdugo
Verdugo is coming off a rough season with the Yankees. But his career splits indicate he may have potential as a platoon option. For his career, he hit .280 with a 110 wRC+ against RHPs. However, any team signing Verdugo would be taking a chance on his ability to rebound from his terrible 2024. His wRC+ was only 87 against right hand pitchers last year. I’m not sure that Verdugo is a fit with the Astros. But if the Astros do their due diligence, maybe they would view him as a platoon partner.
Thoughts?