Houston Astros: Why Tyler White will crack the 25-Man Roster

Despite the logjam of the Houston Astros infield, there is a place for Tyler White on the bench. Here’s how that can be accomplished….

The Houston Astros, the World Champions, are back and better than ever. Believe it or not, Tyler White looks to be in a better position to get a bench spot in 2018.

The Houston Astros have spent most of the off season beefing up the pitching staff. The recent acquisition of Gerrit Cole makes certain that the spacemen will have the top rotation in all of baseball. Aside from that, things have been pretty quiet over the winter.

As important as pitching is, however, potent bats have to compliment in order for this team to repeat. This Houston Astros club is stacked to the brim. Skipper A.J. Hinch will have no shortage of positional depth going into 2018.

The usual cast of characters will be the biggest factors. Brian McCann, Max Stassi and Evan Gattis figure to be the catching and primary DH core. George Springer, Josh Reddick, Jake Marisnick and any combination of Marwin Gonzalez and/or Derek Fisher have the outfield sealed.

Then, there is the stellar infield. Up the middle are the two best in this whole game: Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. The left side stop gap will be none other than Alex Bregman. And after he completes his five-game suspension, Yuli Gurriel will man his usual post at first base.

Here is where things get tricky. 11 of the above 12 names mentioned are locks to make the 25 man roster. One that I don’t necessarily see making it this season is Fisher. Instead, I’m making a bold prediction that White will get that final positional roster spot.

Let’s take a look as to why that is:

Battle Tested

As opposed to Fisher, White has paid many more dues in making his way up. Couple that with making the necessary big league adjustments, and the shark looks better poised and ready to do battle with some of the best pitchers out there.

This is in no way any disrespect to Fisher. Far from it! In fact, depending on what happens with Gonzalez next winter and his tentative free agency, Fisher could be back on the 25 man in no time. This could come by way of a potential departure of Marwin, OR by way of injury allowing for the added depth.

HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 05: Tyler White #13 of the Houston Astros singles in a run in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on August 5, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

But the truth is, White is actually a player in closer proximity to Gonzalez than Fisher is. In that, he is another utility guy that plays nearly every position that Marwin does.

While Fisher is primarily an outfielder, Great White can be put nearly anywhere in the field. And, for those that may not know already, White has a catching history as well, which could make him a potential super utility man of the future.

Again, all of this will hinge on what business decisions loom as early as the deadline this summer. Overall, I give White an edge to beat out Fisher for the final roster spot among position players.

Jacks of All Trades?

Unfortunately, there is also the very possible scenario that either one or a combination of both White and Fisher could still be traded to get another lights out pitcher or superstar bat. The likelihood is small, but it still exists.

Now, I’m with you fans in believing that both players are a big part of the future of this organization. But as with all business transactions in baseball, you have to give something up to get something in return. I mean, just ask Joe Musgrove, Colin Moran and Michael Feliz about that.

So it stands to reason that either player could be used as a chip. Personally, I wouldn’t trade either player. But there is a reason that Jeff Luhnow is the GM and not me.

Under the See

If you are looking for any further proof that Tyler White has earned a roster spot over Derek Fisher, just look at their respective stat lines from last season:

Derek Fisher: .212/.307/.356/.663 5 HR, 17 RBI, 82 wRC+, -.1 WAR

Tyler White: .379/.328/.525/.853 3 HR, 10 RBI, 126 wRC+, .25 WAR

It should also be noted the difference in strikeout percentages. While White still posted a slightly concerning 23 percent, Fisher had one at 32 percent. This is a clear indicator that Fisher is more of a free swinger, while White now strives for more contact with the ball.

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In essence, Fisher may need to start 2018 at AAA Fresno, making somewhere close to the adjustments that White has already made. It doesn’t necessarily indicate that White will be a superstar and Fisher is still years away from a full time gig. Not by any means!

But numbers don’t lie, and given that Fisher had more plate appearances to justify more HR and RBI, Tyler White did more in less time. To me, White took the Evan Gattis approach to 2017. When given the opportunities, both the shark and the bear made the most of them. Sometimes, even when a player possesses the talent, it can be so easy to forget they exist.

Next: Why the Astros could get snubbed at the ESPYS

This will NOT be the case with White in 2018, as I see him making the roster over Fisher. Just like being the king of the ocean, the shark will outmatch the fish this season. Bold prediction? Perhaps, but it is fun to speculate, isn’t it?!

GO HOUSTON ASTROS! #BACKTOBACK!

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