The possibility of José Altuve switching positions is becoming a reality. Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed on Tuesday, as reported by Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Altuve, the face of the franchise and starting second baseman since his major league debut in 2011, will see both time at second base and left field in 2025.
“We aren’t taking anything off the table and we’re weighing all options,” Brown said. “We’ll see what it looks like in left field with understanding that he’s going to play some second base or be at second base quite often, depending on what the coaching staff comes up with. But we’re not taking anything off the table in terms of seeing what he looks like in left field.”
Altuve has already committed to doing “whatever I have to do” to help facilitate a reunion with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with whom Houston has recently re-engaged in talks. As part of that commitment, Altuve confirmed over the weekend during the team’s FanFest that he’s willing to move to left field in 2025. This shift is a key part of the Astros plans if Bregman returns, as team officials are adamant that Bregman will play third base, shifting Isaac Paredes to second.
Astros GM Reveals José Altuve’s Dual Role for 2025 Season
However, if the team is unable to bring Bregman back, they’re seriously considering free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco. Polanco could take most of the time at second base, with Altuve moving to left field as a result. Polanco, who underwent left knee surgery in October, has been cleared to resume baseball activities. Although, given his recovery, the Astros would likely need to monitor his workload allowing Altuve to still see some time at second base.
However, if the team is unable to bring Bregman back, they are also seriously considering free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco. Polanco could take most of the time at second base, with Altuve moving to left field as a result. Polanco, who underwent left knee surgery in October, has been cleared to resume baseball activities, but given his recovery, the Astros would likely need to monitor his workload, allowing Altuve to still see some time at second base.
A More Permanent Move
The potential transition hinges on the Astros adding another player to the roster. However, Brown left the door open for a more permanent move should the team’s roster remain unchanged. Altuve has already worked out in left field during the offseason at Daikin Park, signaling his willingness to embrace the change if it benefits the team’s flexibility and versatility.
José Altuve is practicing playing left field. #Astros @LockedOnAstros pic.twitter.com/3chZC3UAs9
— Eric Huysman (@EricTalksStros) January 27, 2025
Despite Altuve’s stellarness at the plate, his defensive metrics in recent seasons have declined. Over the past four seasons (2021-24), Altuve’s defensive metrics at second baseball have declined. In 2021, Altuve finished with -3 defensive runs saved (DRS) over 513 games, followed by a notable drop in subsequent years. Across 2021-24, his total DRS was -44, an average of -11 per batter. It impacted his fielding efficiency, as his range factor also dipped below the league average, standing at 3.51 compared to the league’s 4.05.
For a player like Altuve who’s known for his speed and agility, these numbers are concerning. Over the four-year stretch, Altuve posted an average fielding percentage of .983, which, while solid, is less than elite when combined with the declining DRS. With Altuve turning 35 in May, the Astros are considering using him in left field to mitigate the effects of his declining defensive abilities at second.
Should the Astros fail to land another player, the team might opt to give Altuve more time in left field, using the position as an opportunity to keep his bat in the lineup while minimizing his defensive liabilities at second base.
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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