"I'm not ready to say that. Obviously, we know what Jake Meyers can do in center, I feel really good about that. I feel really good about what Cam Smith can do in right. Zach Cole and the rest of those guys can play all three. But when it comes to who's in there day one, not there yet."
"On paper, Meyers feels like the safest bet to play every day. He's a plus defender in center field and is coming off his best season at the plate. The 29-year-old hit .292/.354/.373 with 16 stolen bases and a career-low 17.6% strikeout rate."
"Cole and Smith are much less established. The former debuted in September and popped four home runs in his first 15 games. He also struck out 20 times in 52 plate appearances after fanning at a 35% clip in Triple-A."
The Astros pursued a left-handed hitting outfielder throughout the offseason but have not secured one with three weeks remaining before the regular season. General manager Dana Brown expressed continued hope after trading Jesús Sánchez to Toronto for Joey Loperfido in February. Manager Joe Espada has not committed to naming starting outfielders, though Jake Meyers appears the safest option for center field after hitting .292 with 16 stolen bases last season. Cam Smith and Zach Cole represent less established alternatives, with Cole showing power potential but high strikeout rates and Smith struggling after a strong start in the majors.
#astros-outfield-roster #offseason-acquisitions #opening-day-preparations #player-performance-analysis
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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