Astros Sticking With This (Weird?) Plan After Alex Bregman-Red Sox News

Jose Altuve could change positions for the Houston Astros — even after Alex Bregman’s reported decision to sign with the Boston Red Sox in free agency.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported Wednesday night, shortly after Bregman reportedly agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston, that Houston still plans to play Altuve in left field, at least in a part-time role.

Altuve, who’s only ever started at second base in his 14-year MLB career, worked out in left field last month as part of his offseason program at Daikin Park. Astros general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada said Tuesday the 34-year-old would continue to see time there during spring training.

The prevailing thought back in January was that Altuve might only move onto the grass to accommodate Bregman’s return to Houston, as the Astros also added infielder Isaac Paredes earlier this winter. Yet, evidently, the two situations are not directly connected.

Weird? Kinda. Again, we’re so used to seeing Altuve man the keystone for Houston. But the nine-time All-Star definitely regressed defensively in recent seasons. So, maybe we shouldn’t be all that shocked by the Astros’ open-mindedness, especially since Altuve playing left field also limits how much time Yordan Álvarez needs to play defense.

“We’re trying to improve our roster every single year,” Espada said, per The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. “I think it’s a way to keep Yordan healthy, Jose healthy for the next couple of years. So, we’re looking at all these combinations to see where it takes us. But we do (it to see) what’s the best team that we can put on the field.”

Paredes presumably will play third base, the position vacated by Bregman, who joins Boston after nine seasons in Houston. Mauricio Dubón is a candidate to become the Astros’ primary second baseman if they do, in fact, follow through with Altuve playing left field.

Bregman’s reported contract with the Red Sox includes two opt-outs (after the 2025 and 2026 seasons). Boston reportedly beat out the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs — in addition to Houston — to land Bregman, whose decision completely changes the complexion of the American League playoff picture.