Former MVP Jose Altuve Set to Kick Off Spring Training in Shocking Fashion

We've heard the rumors, but now they are true. Jose Altuve is going to get some real opportunity in left field for the Houston Astros. And he'll be out there when the he kicks off Grapefruit League play.
Houston Astros second base Jose Altuve (27) reacts before batting against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park.
Houston Astros second base Jose Altuve (27) reacts before batting against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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After an offseason of speculation that it would happen, Houston Astros star Jose Altuve is set to play left field during at least some of the Grapefruit League schedule.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Altuve's first action of the spring will come in left field, not at his customary second base.

Some stuff from Joe Espada:
- Brendan Rodgers’ deal isn’t official, but they like the tools.
- Jose Altuve will work exclusively with the outfielders for the next 4-5 days. His first Grapefruit League game will be in the OF
- Jacob Melton has some mild back soreness

The Astros are evidently trying to give themselves some more positional flexibility this season, but it's still surprising to see Altuve start the spring season in the outfield. Issac Paredes is set to play third base for the departed Alex Bregman, and it appears that newcomer Brendan Rodgers can get some time at second base, which would give Altuve the chance to move out to left field. Yordan Alvarez can also play out there, but he can also DH as well.

Altuve has never played left field in his professional career.

Now 34 years old, Altuve is a nine-time All-Star and a former MVP. He helped the Astros win the World Series in 2017 and 2022. He's also a three-time batting champion and a seven-time Silver Slugger. He previously won a Gold Glove at second base.

The Astros won the American League West last season before being eliminated in the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers. They figure to be contenders for the division crown yet again.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady.