The Houston Astros have had a relatively quiet offseason aside from signing Japanese right hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract. However, expectations remain high in Houston after last year’s second-half collapse.
There is still plenty of optimism that this group has the talent to return to the MLB playoffs, despite the Astros’ aging core, and much of that belief stems from the hope that left-handed slugger Yordan Alvarez will be fully healthy in 2026.
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The 28-year-old missed 114 games last season while dealing with a right hand fracture that came with multiple setbacks, making it difficult for him to even grip a bat, followed by a left ankle sprain in September that ultimately ended both his season and Houston’s postseason hopes.
When he was on the field, he remained productive, posting a .273 batting average, .367 on‑base percentage and .797 OPS. Those numbers were below his usual standards, but it was difficult for him to build any momentum.
Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44)© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
(© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)
As Spring Training approaches, Alvarez is expected to enter camp fully healthy, which is significant for the Astros. The club also has a new plan to keep him on the field after last year’s issues.
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Alvarez has routinely split time between designated hitter and left field, and although he is not a strong defender, using him at designated hitter limits roster flexibility, so he has still logged plenty of innings in the outfield.
That will now change. According to manager Joe Espada, who spoke with The Athletic’s Chandler Rome on Tuesday, he intends to give Alvarez most of his at-bats as a designated hitter and will do everything possible to keep him in that role. The comments suggest that Alvarez’s time in left field may be nearing an end.
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Alvarez’s impact is clear, and this plan allows him to focus entirely on hitting, a role where the injury risk is lower. He is a former American League Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger who played a central role in Houston’s 2022 World Series title.
Committing him to designated hitter does create a challenge for Houston, which now has five infielders who likely need everyday roles, including Carlos Correa, Jeremy Pena, Jose Altuve, Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes. That situation leaves open the possibility that the Astros could explore a trade to balance the roster.
For a team trying to squeeze one more championship run out of its core, every decision they make with Alvarez in mind will shape how competitive they can be in 2026.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.