Houston Astros: Plugging in the Astros first base/DH Holes

Option 1: Chris Carter

Aug 11, 2015; San Francisco, CA; Houston Astros first baseman Chris Carter (23) hits an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chris Carter

2016 AGE: 29

2016 SALARY: Arbitration-Eligible (Made $4.18M in 2015); Under Team Control Through 2018

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For me, it is not personal with Carter. He seems to be an upstanding citizen, well-liked in the clubhouse. I have no doubt he’s worked hard to try to overcome his struggles during a horrendous 2015 season. The character attacks and near-universal scorn from otherwise-patient fans have gotten tiresome. Carter has struggled, and should not be brought back. Let’s just leave it at that.

(As a small point in his favor, he is at least willing to work a walk as part of his overall hitting approach, which puts him ahead of several others on the team, most notably Gattis).

For the rest of 2015, I have no problem with Carter playing against left-handed pitching, against whom he has a semi-useful .717 OPS this year. Beyond that, Carter would be due between $4.5M and $5M in arbitration. He has no trade value, and the money is better spent elsewhere. He’ll be non-tendered.

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Next: Option 2: Evan Gattis