Coinciding with increasing first base opportunities for Diaz, they should do the same for Paredes — who has MLB experience at the position. Rotating the first base position, with Alvarez logging 140 games at designated hitter, can do wonders lengthening the Astros’ lineup.
Potential Free Agent Options: Mike Yastrzemski, MJ Melendez, JJ Bleday, Cedric Mullins
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUG 16: Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro congratulates Kansas City Royals right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) after his solo home run during a MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on August 16, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Yastrzemski has the highest floor of the bunch and makes a lot of sense for the Astros on a short-term deal. The veteran hammered the baseball after a midseason trade to Kansas City, slashing .237/.339/.500 with a .392 xwOBA in 50 games. He also hit nine homers and drove in 18 runs.
His defense is always solid, too, especially in right field. Last season, he was +7 in defensive runs saved. Historically, he’s +3 in outs above average at the position as well but was -2 in 2025.
Bleday is the most fun option, just a year removed from 3.2 fWAR and 20 homers for the Athletics. It’s growing clear he’s not a center fielder, posting -27 DRS and -8 OAA since 2024. But the Astros don’t need a center fielder to get Alvarez out of the field.
Mullins can play center field, but his offensive upside is that of a league-average bat. He has some power and remains a gifted baserunner, but defense is where he remains of most value — depending on which metric you value.
Melendez is a former second-round pick, but he never quite put it together in Kansas City. He’s a strong guy, but it bottomed out in 2025 for him. Likely a minor-league deal or league-minimum signing, he’s a great buy-low candidate for the Astros.