Center Fielders Houston Astros Should Consider Not Named Bryan Reynolds

With Jake Meyers struggling in everyday play, the Houston Astros should be in discussions with teams regarding available center fielders.

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

After missing out on Starling Marte this past winter, the Houston Astros deployed a platoon of Chas McCormick and José Siri in center field. And while it lacked offensive security, the plan to start Jake Meyers in more than 80 percent of the games since he returned from the injured list hasn't panned out either.

Meyers struggled in his first full month since a shoulder injury sidelined him last October. While strikeouts bite his overall play at the plate, defensively he hasn't offered more than what McCormick has in center field this season with one Defensive Runs Saved compared to McCormick's two in almost identical samples.

Though Meyers could develop into an everyday starter, he was outplayed by McCormick in July. McCormick has started one game in center since Meyers' return, and his 153 wRC+ last month hasn't warranted many more starts as Aledmys Díaz is somehow out slugging an already impressive month from McCormick.

While the Astros place faith in Meyers, there are upgrades on their mind. Of those not named Bryan Reynolds, not many offer a substantial improvement from what Houston could receive from Meyers, McCormick and Mauricio Dubón.

But as it stands, 24 hours before the trade deadline, there are three names that could be available. The first is Michael A Taylor of the Kansas City Royals — who is currently slashing .278/.348/.394 with six home runs and six doubles.

What Taylor lacks in power, he adds in defense. Manning center field for the Royals, the 31-year-old has eight DRS and one Outs Above Average, according to FanGraphs. Houston isn't lacking premier defense in center, but Taylor's on-base percentage may be fancied by the front office.

Oakland A's Center Fielder Ramón Laureano / Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

A former Astros' farmhand, Ramón Laureano won't see his future with the rebuilding Oakland A's. The 28-year-old has an unflattering history with organization after igniting a brawl in 2020.

Laureano's suspension doesn't shed a great light on his overall résumé, but he did post a 108 wRC+ this past month, above the league average. His offense is steadily improving, but his -7 DRS in center field isn't helpful to the Astros' current needs, although he's under team control until 2025.

Texas Rangers Outfielder Adolis García / Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports

Another in-division candidate is Texas Rangers' Adolis García, known for his heroics against the Astros. García has been consistently healthy since his major league arrival in Arlington last season, and like Taylor, what García may lack offensively, he brings defensively.

The righty is posting a .755 OPS this season, while managing one DRS in center field. The emergence of Leody Taveras has granted more left field starts to García while the Rangers should be open to parting with the 29-year-old — who is under team control until 2027. 

There are more pressing needs on the front office's minds over the next day regarding a first base bat to a backup catcher. But if the Astros are willing to spend more on a reliable outfielder with Michael Brantley out and Meyers struggling, these three may circle talks as cheaper options than Reynolds.

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