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Houston Astros: Internal Options at First Base

By Cody Poage |
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How should the Houston Astros approach their dilemma at first base for the 2016 season?

White photo credit to Rich Guill (@QCBanditPhotog)

Power was not something that the Astros lineup lacked at any point time during the 2015 season. Up and down the lineup there was a hitter capable of depositing the opposing pitcher’s next pitch into the stands. But don’t let the power display blind you, there were production issues at certain key positions in 2015, namely from first base.

Chris Carter did end up somewhat redeeming his otherwise disappointing 2015 season, hitting .333 with six home runs and 12 RBI in the months of September and October. I’ll admit he stepped up when the team needed it most as they held on to a wild card for a playoff berth.

Before then, especially in the dog days of summer, Carter was a non-factor for the Astros. In fact, his lack of production became so glaring that the team began to bench”Trogdor” for a handful of games at a time starting in July that lasted until temporary first baseman, Marwin Gonzalez, was out with a hand injury.

So what does general manager Jeff Luhnow and the rest of the Astros brain trust need to do to ensure that first base is less of a liability going into 2016?

Next: Option 1

Option 1

Oct 11, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Chris Carter (23) hits a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning in game three of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Astros won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Option # 1: Chris Carter

Yes, this isn’t really addressing the root of the problem at first base. At this point, you are hoping for a drastic improvement that may not happen from Carter. But if the organization determines that there are no better alternative options available by Opening Day that can step in immediately then this may be the only option entering the 2016 season.

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Of course, Carter staying at first base is contingent on the Astros tendering him a contract during the arbitration process, which isn’t a guarantee. But if the organization chooses to keep Carter then he will naturally be part of the first base equation until proven otherwise.

However, an improvement from a .199/.307/.427 slash line and 101 wRC+ is imperative for any hopes for a productive first base from Carter. After all, first base is considered a position where quality production is somewhat expected. Hey, even a return to his 2013 form would be welcomed.

Next: Option 2

Option 2

AJ Reed (Photo Credit: Richard Guill)

Option # 2: A.J. Reed

This is probably the route the Astros front office want to go with as soon as possible. A.J. Reed is widely perceived as the future at first base, and the organization will give him every chance to take command of the position in the spring. The only question regarding Reed is will he be ready in 2016.

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But if somehow Reed can prove that his impressive 2015 campaign, when he hit .332/.405/.571 with 11 home runs and 46 RBI, with the Corpus Christi Hooks was no fluke then the Astros would surely be thrilled with giving him the keys to first base. After all, the organization took a similar approach with Carlos Correa, the 2015 AL Rookie of the Year.

The only issue with awarding Reed the first base job, contingent on a strong spring training, is the possibility of struggling at the major league level after making the leap from the minors to the major leagues. Not every player is a Correa, who can be trusted into the majors and do well from the start. However, if the Astros feel like the Reed era at first base is ready to begin then odds are we will be seeing the former Kentucky Wildcat in Minute Maid Park sooner rather than later.

Next: Option 3

Option 3

Option # 3: Jon Singleton

How it is so easy to forget about Jon Singleton, you know, the guy we thought would be the first baseman of the future not even two years ago. Besides a 95-game stint in 2014, Singleton has been pretty much an afterthought for the organization, even as a temporary solution at first base.

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The key issue with Singleton lately, off the field issues aside, is the lack of consistency at the major league level. He didn’t show much in his “try out” for the major league squad in 2014, hitting .168/.285/.335 with 13 HR and 44 RBI. That translated to a lackluster .282 wOBA and 78 wRC+ in 362 plate appearances.

Even though he had, by most accounts, a solid 2015 with the Fresno Grizzlies after hitting .254/.359/.505 with 22 HR and 83 RBI, the Astros front office seemed reluctant to give Singleton another audition despite Carter’s struggles. In fact, Singleton only appeared in 58 plate appearances for the major league squad this year. That is somewhat odd considering the organization signed Singleton to a contract extension right before his major league debut. Barring an outstanding spring that could thrust himself back into the conversation regarding the long-term plans for first base, the Astros have appeared to move on from the only holdover of the Hunter Pence trade.

Remember in spring training that anything can happen, including the revival of Singleton as a legitimate first base candidate.

Next: Option 4

Option 4

Sep 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) drives in a run with a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Option # 4: Marwin Gonzalez/Preston Tucker platoon

A Marwin Gonzalez/Preston Tucker platoon would be another, though unlikely, direction if the Astros decide to move on from Carter. The defense would improve and allow more flexibility in the infield when it comes to defensive strategy with Gonzalez. Tucker would provide some pop in the lineup from first base to help offset the drop of power from Carter’s absence. In fact, Gonzalez and Tucker hit a combined 25 HR and 67 RBI in 2015, so from an offensive standpoint that is not a terrible proposition.

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But it isn’t a secret that the Astros desire Gonzalez to play multiple positions considering his glove and the fact that his limited ceiling at the plate would hinder the lineup as the primary first baseman. And Tucker did not once played first base at the major league level in 2015, so it remains to be seen if the Astros view the 25-year old as a viable, albeit temporary, solution at the position. The Astros front office could still view Tucker more as a fourth or fifth outfielder and the occasional designated hitter instead as part of a potential platoon at first base.

And let’s be honest, if this platoon actually takes place, this would be a temporary band-aid until A.J. Reed is deemed ready to assume first base responsibilities. But odds are this is one of the last resorts for the Astros in 2016.

Regardless of what avenue the Astros pursue in the offseason, the fact remains that first base production needs to be improved. If that means from inside the organization, or even outside, is left to be seen. However, this isn’t a dearth of options available to the organization heading into 2016, but which route will the team take is still unknown.

Next: Houston Astros 2015 Season Recap: Carlos Correa

This is shaping to be one of the most interesting position battles heading into the upcoming Spring Training. Oh Astros baseball, you still give us plenty to talk about even in the midst of the holiday season.

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