Astros' Outfield Alignment Remains Uncertain Heading Into Season

Houston manager Joe Espada says the team is still evaluating its options in the outfield with three weeks left in spring training.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Houston Astros' outfield remains undefined with three weeks left in spring training, as manager Joe Espada says the team is still evaluating its options. None of the Astros' inexperienced outfield candidates, including Jake Meyers, Cam Smith, Zach Cole, Joey Loperfido and Zach Dezenzo, have separated themselves, and Espada is not ready to name starters at any of the three outfield positions. Yordan Alvarez is expected to play some left field, but Espada wants to use him primarily as the designated hitter. The Astros may also look to add a left-handed bat to the outfield mix.

Why it matters

The Astros' outfield is in flux after the team traded away its most veteran member, Jesús Sánchez, to the Toronto Blue Jays. With a group of young, unproven outfielders competing for playing time, the Astros must figure out their best alignment to start the season and balance playing time and development for the various candidates.

The details

The Astros have been shuffling their group of inexperienced outfield options between positions during spring training games, but no one has separated themselves yet. Meyers has the most major league experience, but Espada has not committed to him as the primary center fielder. Smith, Cole, Loperfido and Dezenzo have all logged less than 140 major league games. Alvarez is expected to play some left field, but Espada wants to use him primarily as the designated hitter. The Astros may look to add a left-handed bat to the outfield mix as well.

  • The Astros traded Jesús Sánchez to the Toronto Blue Jays on Feb. 13, 2026.
  • The Astros have played a week of Grapefruit League games so far this spring.

The players

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

Jake Meyers

The Astros' center fielder who had a 103 OPS-plus in 104 games last season.

Cam Smith

The Astros' primary right fielder last season who is now getting reps in center field this spring.

Zach Cole

An Astros outfield candidate who has started Grapefruit League games at all three outfield spots.

Joey Loperfido

An Astros outfield candidate who the team reacquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Jesús Sánchez trade.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not ready to say that. Obviously, we know what Jake can do in center, I feel really good about that. I feel really good about what Cam Smith can do in right. (Zach) Cole and the rest of those guys can play all three. But when it comes to who's in there day one, not there yet.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (Houston Chronicle)

“(Alvarez) is going to play left field. I've said that from the very beginning. But going into the season with a hard number, this is how many games I'm looking for, no, because I've learned things can change once you go into battle.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate their outfield options over the remaining three weeks of spring training before finalizing their Opening Day roster.

The takeaway

The Astros' outfield is a work in progress as they try to find the right mix of young, unproven players to fill the void left by the trade of Jesús Sánchez. Manager Joe Espada is taking a patient approach, wanting to see more from the candidates before committing to starters at the three outfield positions.