David Hensley Could be Astros' Breakout Star in 2023 with Jose Altuve Out

The Houston Astros will be without star second baseman Jose Altuve for the next 8-10 weeks, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports. In the wake of Altuve's absence, rookie David Hensley will receive an opportunity to play second base for the club. Hensley could be the Astros' breakout star of 2023, Jack Vita writes.

The Houston Astros will be without star second baseman Jose Altuve for the next 8-10 weeks, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.

Unless the Astros plan to bring in help from the outside, the club will continue to embrace a 'next-man-up' mentality, and a rookie will have an opportunity to shine.

The Astros have appeared in the last six American League Championship Series and they are favorites to do it again according to the oddsmakers at Fanduel. They are plus-600 to win the World Series, which are the lowest odds on Fanduel of all 30 teams and just ahead of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. To win the American League, the Astros are plus-280, a bit ahead of the New York Yankees (plus-370).

A key to their sustained success has been their ability to consistently develop young players and replace stars with young pieces from their farm system. Most recently, the club said goodbye to 2022 American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander. Verlander's departure will open up an opportunity for top prospect Hunter Brown, who excelled after receiving a late-season call-up in 2022.

A year ago, the Astros did not re-sign All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa, who instead signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. The Astros turned to a relatively unknown at a highly important position.

Jeremy Pena wasn't a blue chip, can't-miss prospect at any point in his minor league career. But Pena would go on to have a rookie season to be remembered, collecting a Gold Glove and World Series title, as well as World Series MVP and ALCS MVP honors.

This year, the Astros could find another breakout star on the other side of second base, who will now be thrust into a big opportunity.

David Hensley will get an opportunity to see regular playing time at second base, in the wake of Altuve's absence.

Hensley earned a promotion from Triple-A Sugar Land last August. Over 16 games, Hensley contributed as a utility man, making appearances at second base, third base, shortstop, left field and designated hitter.

Hensley shined at the plate, batting .345 with a .441 on base percentage, 1.027 OPS, 191 OPS+, one home run and five RBI.

A native of San Diego, California, the Astros selected Hensley in the 26th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft out of San Diego State University. As part of its new Collective Bargaining Agreement, as of 2022, MLB no longer has a 26th round. The Draft is now just 20 rounds.

Like Pena, Hensley was never a 'blue-chip prospect.' Prior to 2022, Hensley never ranked as a top 30 prospect in the Astros' farm system per MLB.com, but the infielder kept his head down and worked.

Hensley excelled in Double-A Corpus Christi in 2021, slashing .293/.369/.808 with nine home runs and 51 RBI over 105 games. He was named the Corpus Christi Hooks' Player of the Year.

In 104 games in Triple-A Sugar Land in 2022, Hensley slashed .298/.420/.898 with 10 home runs and 57 RBI, earning him his call to the show late in the season.

Hensley even started two World Series games last fall, in which he collected a hit in both games.

Hensley's off to a great start this spring. Through 13 games, he's slashing .308/.419/.957 with two home runs and four RBI. Now, he'll have a chance to see regular time at a key position at the Major League level. Hensley has hit well at every level he has played at. If he continues that trend in 2023, he will be the Astros' breakout star, and he might even help you win your fantasy baseball league if you take a flier on him in the late rounds.

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