3 paths for Astros first baseman Taylor Jones

Groom Jones for a specialized spot at first base.

Much like Jeremy Peña has been prepping to take over shortstop duties for Carlos Correa, perhaps Jones will just need to prepare to be the full-time Gurriel replacement. Gurriel is going to be turning 39 next year, and there is uncertainty with where Gurriel and Brantley will be playing beyond 2022.

If Jones spends the majority of the season playing first base in Triple-A with some call-ups in-between, I think the organization would feel comfortable making him an everyday player in 2023, assuming there are significant roster changes.

But, Jones has already spent a lot of time in Triple-A mashing, and it looks like he might be ready to play this year which leads me to my next option.