Top Astros Prospect Vying for Opening Day Outfield Role

Brice Matthews emerges as a potential left field option for the Houston Astros as they prepare for the new season.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Houston Astros are evaluating their roster options ahead of opening day, with top prospect Brice Matthews emerging as a candidate to start in left field. Matthews, who has impressed the coaching staff this spring with his athleticism and versatility, could provide the Astros with a youthful spark in their lineup as the team looks to transition from their recent championship dynasty.

Why it matters

The Astros' outfield remains a question mark heading into the new season, with the team needing to find the right mix of players to complement their established stars. Matthews' potential inclusion in the starting lineup would inject some much-needed energy and speed into the Astros' outfield, as the team looks to remain competitive in the AL West.

The details

Astros manager Joe Espada has expressed confidence in Matthews' ability to handle left field, noting the prospect's past experience playing the position in high school and college. Matthews has been "swinging the bat well, playing all over the field, stealing bases" this spring, according to Espada, showcasing the athleticism that could make him an attractive option for the Astros. While veteran Zach Cole is also in the mix for the left field job, Matthews' upside and potential to develop at the major league level give him the edge in the competition.

  • The Astros open their season at home against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Brice Matthews

A top prospect in the Astros' farm system, Matthews is making a push for the starting left field job with his strong spring training performance.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, Espada has been impressed with Matthews' versatility and athleticism this spring, indicating he could be a viable option in left field.

Zach Cole

A veteran outfielder also competing for the left field job, Cole has struggled this spring and may be the backup plan if Matthews doesn't win the starting role.

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What they’re saying

“'Swinging the bat well, playing all over the field, stealing bases. The athleticism is what we're looking for. He gives you the versatility for me to do a lot of things with him on the field.'”

— Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros

“'I played [outfield] in high school, a little bit in college, so I wasn't too unfamiliar for me. But I'm an athlete. I feel like I play wherever and be just fine wherever. So where the team needs me to be. I'll be more than ready to go.'”

— Brice Matthews

What’s next

The Astros will make their final roster decisions in the coming days, with Matthews' performance in the remaining spring training games likely to be a key factor in determining if he earns the starting left field job for opening day.

The takeaway

The Astros' search for a long-term solution in left field has led them to consider top prospect Brice Matthews, whose athleticism and versatility could provide a much-needed boost to their outfield as the team transitions into a new era. Matthews' strong spring training has put him in position to potentially break camp with the big-league club, offering the Astros a youthful and dynamic option to complement their established stars.