Astros' Jake Meyers looks to solidify center field role

Meyers brushes off trade rumors as he aims to build on career-best offensive season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers is looking to build on his best major-league season yet, despite being the subject of trade rumors this offseason. Meyers, 29, improved his plate discipline and batting average in 2025 before a calf injury sidelined him for two months. He is poised to reprise his role as the Astros' primary center fielder, though the team has several outfield prospects competing for playing time this spring.

Why it matters

Meyers' defensive prowess in center field could be crucial for the Astros, who have an unsettled outfield situation entering the 2026 season. His ability to anchor the position and continue his offensive progress will be key as the team aims to defend its World Series title.

The details

Meyers honed his plate discipline, hiked his batting average and roamed center field with his customary range last season before a calf injury sidelined him in early July. He missed the next two months but still finished worth a career-high 2.4 wins above replacement in 104 games. That led to his again being a subject of trade discussions for Houston early in the offseason. The Astros, though, made a series of rotation additions largely without dealing from their major-league roster — and included outfield prospect Jacob Melton in the trade they did make for a starter (acquiring Mike Burrows from the Pirates).

  • Meyers missed two months in 2025 due to a calf injury sustained in early July.
  • Meyers was the subject of trade rumors again this offseason.

The players

Jake Meyers

A 29-year-old outfielder for the Houston Astros who is looking to build on his best major-league season yet and solidify his role as the team's primary center fielder.

Dana Brown

The general manager of the Houston Astros, who declared last week that the team was "not done yet" in terms of potential roster moves.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who said the team needs to have someone "protecting us" in center field to potentially give Meyers a day off or in case of injury.

Yordan Alvarez

The Houston Astros' designated hitter, who could factor into the team's left field plans this season.

Jose Altuve

The Houston Astros' second baseman, who could also see some time in left field this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a business. They're trying to make their team the best they can. I don't take it personally.”

— Jake Meyers (Houston Chronicle)

“I'm really happy to be here. I've grown a lot since I got drafted in 2017 and (the Astros have) played a huge part in who I am today, in developing me as a player. So I'm just really happy that I'm going to be a part of this team and here.”

— Jake Meyers (Houston Chronicle)

“We all know that Jake Meyers is probably one of the best defenders in the game. But in a long season I need to have someone also protecting us (in center field), just to potentially give him an off day or just in case something happens.”

— Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate their outfield options during spring training, with Meyers looking to solidify his role as the team's primary center fielder.

The takeaway

Meyers' ability to build on his career-best offensive season and anchor the Astros' outfield defense will be crucial as the team aims to defend its World Series title. The competition for playing time in the Astros' outfield this spring will be one of the key storylines to watch.