Analyzing Four Potential Breakout Candidates for the Astros in 2023

Looking at four Astros players that could break out in a big way in 2023

The Astros had a dominant season in 2022, capping off a 106-win season with a World Series title. The dynasty freight train keeps rolling along. A staple of the Astros dynasty has been the unheralded players that have come on strong and emerged from seemingly out of nowhere to become key pieces.

From Jeremy Peña to Collin McHugh, Will Smith to Cristian Javier and everybody in between, the unheralded sleeper is synonymous with Houston. Let's take a look at the four players most likely to break out in 2023.

Disclaimer: Hunter Brown and Forrest Whitley are not on this list, due to their status as highly touted prospects.

4) Chas McCormick

Chazzy Fizz has spent the better part of two seasons as the Astros' primary center fielder. He's actually provided above average production, posting a .250 career batting average with a .751 OPS. Even still, he was actually briefly demoted in the 2022 season before getting called back up and making the catch of his life to preserve the World Series.

He's a great option batting eighth in the order, but he still hasn't locked down the starting spot in center. Jake Meyers is back healthy, and according to Dusty Baker, the two are in a competition for the starting role.

Chas has done more than enough to have the spot. He is a fantastic defender and has proven himself in the postseason. Look for the fact that McCormick is still being asked to prove himself to stoke his motivational fire.

Chas may never become what George Springer was for the Astros in center field, but don't be surprised if Chas goes on to hit 20+ home runs with an OPS of around .780 in his first full season in the bigs.

Even if Meyers rebounds with full health, Chas can play left with questions around Yordan's hand and Michael Brantley's shoulder. If Chas stays healthy, he should play 130 games. If that's the consistency he receives, look for a big step forward from Chas.

3) Matt Gage

As the saying goes, "There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the Astros turning reclamation projects into dominant relievers. Look for Gage to be the next in a long line.

Dusty Baker's newest weapon out of the bullpen, the Astros claimed Gage off waivers out of Toronto. Gage made 11 appearances with the Blue Jays last year and was dominant. In 13 innings of work, Gage posted a 1.38 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP.

Before his callup, he had made 41 appearances in AAA and 2.76 ERA. Gage struggled early in his professional career, but really seems to have found it coming out of the pandemic delay and has been an entirely different pitcher the last two seasons.

Unlike most of the Astros relievers, he's not a flame-thrower. His pitch profile is similar to what Will Harris and Brooks Raley deployed. Look for the Astros to push Gage to throw more sliders in 2023. If Gage can dial in the slider, the Astros may very well have their next dominant reliever.

If that's the case, opposing fanbases will be left doing their best Jesse Pinkman.

2) David Hensley

David Hensley emerged from obscurity to become a contributor down the stretch for Houston in 2022. Next up in the Astros long-line of super utility players, Hensley raked last season. In 104 games with Sugar Land, Hensley hit .298 with an .898 OPS.

He doesn't have a massive amount of power, hitting only 10 home runs in that time, but his .420 on-base percentage is the stuff moneyball dreams are made of.

He more than capitalized on his September call-up, hitting .345 with a 1.027 OPS in 29 big-league at-bats. He played his way onto the playoff roster and even picked up two hits in the World Series as the Astros' DH.

Hensley can play all over the infield and can man left field. His defensive versatility stands out, but it's his ability with the bat that should have Houston fired up. Aside from Aledmys Diaz' injury-shortened 2019 campaign, it's been five season since Houston received solid contributions at the plate from their utility man. Hensley will have every opportunity to become that missing piece this season. Look for him to do just that.