Astros Boss Contradicts Manager on Outfield Situation

The Winter Meetings normally don't disappoint when it comes to getting the Hot Stove started for the offseason. Deals start getting done in free agency and trade discussions begin to formulate as the entire baseball world is gathered in one location for multiple days.

The Houston Astros have been quiet so far and will seemingly stay that way in terms of blockbuster moves this cycle. They're still targeting bullpen help and a backup catcher to supplement their current ready-made roster.

However, one of the main questions comes within their outfield.

After Jake Meyers was reportedly made available in trade conversations earlier this offseason, the Astros seemingly have taken him off the block and want to keep him in the mix for 2024.

Manager Joe Espada made comments suggesting that there would be an open competition for the center field role, despite Meyers playing every game besides seven in center during his three-year career.

Well, general manager Dana Brown has contradicted that statement by saying they are committed to the 27-year-old and he'll get the bulk of work in center to start the year.

"They love his elite defense and want to see where his offense is," Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

That poses the question on what Houston will do with Chas McCormick, who had a breakout season in 2023 hitting .273/.353/.489/.842 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI.

"Chas McCormick will play every day, splitting between LF and CF," Brown said according to McTaggart.

On the surface, this doesn't give away much despite suggesting that Meyers and McCormick are going to be the everyday outfielders alongside Kyle Tucker in right field. Yordan Alvarez will seemingly be used as the primary designated hitter.

Another interesting thing to monitor coming out of this contradiction is that Brown and previous manager Dusty Baker didn't see eye to eye on certain lineup decisions.

This is an interesting start to the GM and manager relationship before things even take place on the field.