Houston Astros Rumors: Three players with the most to lose in Spring Training
By T.A. Mock
Josh Reddick, OF
This last one is the hardest to write because Josh Reddick has been such an integral of the Houston Astros team the past two seasons despite the ups and downs. Reddick brought an interesting new swagger the team didn’t have and ignited the fanbase behind him with Ric Flair’s “WOO!”
However, the problems begin with the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde play he displayed the past two years. 2017, he was an elite hitter not plagued by one handedness over the other. He hit for power and average and drove in runs at will. 2018, he was a platoon offensive player that struggled to buy homers and occasionally hits.
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He remained an elite defender through it all that definitely won the Houston Astros games down the stretch. That remains his biggest asset as his 2017 offensive season looks even more like an outlier now than it did before.
Regardless, his salary cap hit ensures his spot on the roster for the duration of the contract. He is due $13 million a season over the next two years which makes him uncuttable and virtually untradeable but that’s okay because Reddick is still more than serviceable in the outfield. However, he could be an odd man out if things don’t trend in his favor.
Springer and Brantley have their spots locked up. Reddick’s spot is the most vulnerable, especially if his production stays at the 2018 level. Prospects like Kyle Tucker could push for playing time in that spot as Reddick transforms into more and more of a platoon player.
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Regardless of how the roster shakes out, the Houston Astros have some tough decisions to make as Spring Training approaches and after it concludes. It will be interesting to see how it all works out.