Houston Astros: Internal Options at First Base

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