Astros: 3 Free Agent Center Fielders Worth a Look

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After not signing a free agent center fielder last offseason, the Houston Astros are in a similar spot for the 2022 season. With Jake Meyers likely not ready to return for Opening Day, the ball club will lean on a possible platoon between Chas McCormick and Jose Siri in center field, or they could turn to free agency.

There is also a chance that the Astros have Kyle Tucker man center field. But with a lack of experience at the position as of late and there being better defensively ranged options out there, Houston could eye free agency.

When George Springer departed for new beginnings last winter, the Astros were linked to a few free agent center fielders including Jackie Bradley Jr. This offseason there aren’t too many All-Star options on the market, but three names could bolster the position.

If the Astros were to address the position this winter, then they could flip one of their three minor-league optionable outfielders. Although not linked to any free agent outfielder at the moment, there are viable options out there if Houston is looking.

Starling Marte was linked to the Astros this past summer, but could he finally make a splash in Houston this winter?

After being rumored as a trade target for the Astros in July, Starling Marte ended up with a different American League West club: the Oakland A’s. Marte made the biggest impact of any of their deadline acquisitions, slashing .316/.359/.466 in 56 games.

Marte’s first position is center field and would undoubtedly be an upgrade from the Astros’ three options right now. The right-hander made $12.5 million last season, while he couldn’t find an extension in Miami leading to him being traded.

The 33-year-old is one of the most underrated tooled players in baseball with his speed and defense matching his hit production. Marte would be another explosive bat for hitting coaches Alex Cintron and Troy Snitker to keep stable, but his value could eat up money that would go towards a new shortstop or starting pitcher.

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Chris Taylor’s versatility would greatly bolster the Astros’ lineup.

Chris Taylor is a Swiss Army Knife. The 31-year-old made his first ever All-Star Game this season backed behind a .254/.344/.438 clip that was on a decline for the second half of the season.

Taylor has a postseason resume behind him that shows great promise for a contending team. Even this season, the right-hander had a three-homer game along with a walk-off home run in the Wild Card Game.

But, this is not where Taylor has the most value. Taylor, who is likely to decline his qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers, plays center field, shortstop and second base. This season alone he had 61 games in center, 46 at second base, 23 at shortstop and even games at third base (11).

Taylor can play a multitude of positions and provide average to above average defense at most of them. If the Astros are looking for an everyday starter that can also move positions to provide off days, Taylor is one of the best options.

Taylor has spent his last six season in Los Angeles, while he does have a connection to the ’17 World Series. But when the money is available, the Astros should reach out to the versatile right-hander, as he could pick up a multitude of roles.

The contract could be hefty over a few seasons, but it would be the total amount that a player like Taylor is looking for in the end.

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While not having the same year as he did in 2020, Kevin Pillar could be a low-cost option for the Astros in 2022.

Like last offseason, Kevin Pillar is another center fielder exploring free agency. The soon-to-be 33-year-old was with the New York Mets this past year, as he was most famously remembered with coming back from a brutal face injury.

Pillar slashed below the league average at a .692 OPS, but in his career, he has been known more for his glove. The righty made only $3.6 million this past season, while his lack of offensive production could keep him in the same market for 2022.

Pillar wouldn’t be an end-all replacement in center; he could be a filler to see what the Astros’ options are moving forward in the season. With Meyers not ready by Opening Day, the ball club could lean on Pillar and McCormick to see if the veteran can hit his weight.

Pillar did have 57 games in center this season, but he could be on the move to the corner outfield spots for the backend of his career. The 32-year-old played 52 games in left field, but this could change depending on what roster he ends up on.

If he doesn’t show any sign of progress, he could be dumped easily for some sort of easy compensation, expecting he is on a low-cost deal.

Next. Jake Meyers Season Review. dark

The Astros could look a few different ways this offseason, as they wait on the progression of prospect Pedro Leon. If Meyers isn’t held out too long, they could rely on in-house products, but if they want to attack the market, there are names out there.

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Starling Marte was linked to the Astros this past summer, but could he finally make a splash in Houston this winter?

Chris Taylor’s versatility would greatly bolster the Astros’ lineup.

While not having the same year as he did in 2020, Kevin Pillar could be a low-cost option for the Astros in 2022.

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