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Career Milestones Houston Astros Infielders May Reach This Season
Have you ever wondered when Jose Altuve might join the 2,000 hit club or when Alex Bregman will reach 1,000? Read on for more.
Following a World Series championship, the Astros infielders look not only to repeat, but to continue progressing in their individual roles. Take a look at some of the career milestones that are achievable for Houston’s infielders below.
Catcher: Martín Maldonado
Maldonado, whose career high of 15 long balls came in 2022, has pushed himself into consideration for joining the 100 home run club. Just how far away is the veteran catcher? Only four jogs around the bases will secure it for him.
First base: José Abreu
The biggest splash of the Astros' off-season has been the acquisition of veteran first baseman, José Abreu. The right-handed slugger earned AL MVP honors in 2020, and has finished in the top-20 for MVP consideration in five of the last six seasons. With Abreu, the Astros stand to deepen their lineup similar to when they had the likes of George Springer back in the offense.
Abreu is closing in on 1,500 career hits and needs just 55 more knocks to reach the milestone. Seeing as how he tallied 183 hits for the White Sox last season, look for Abreu to reach 1,500 career hits as early as May or June of this season. Abreu also continues to near other key categories, such as 250 career homers—he is short seven—and 1,000 career RBIs. At present, the three-time All-Star has 863 RBIs, and needs 137 more to reach 1,000 on his career. Potentially reaching this milestone in 2024 with the Astros, Abreu will rank within the top-300 in MLB history in RBI production.
Second base: Jose Altuve
Jose Altuve enters the 2023 season knocking on the door of joining the 2,000 hit club, a feat accomplished by fewer than 260 hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. The eight-time All-Star has amassed 1,935 hits in his career. Look for hit number 2,000 around the middle of summer.
Third base: Alex Bregman
The Astros third baseman has amassed 818 hits in his career. Seeing as how he has never logged more than 170 hits in a season, it appears unlikely that Bregman will reach the 1,000 hit club in 2023. Moreover, the 2019 Silver Slugger Award recipient led the league in bases on balls four seasons ago, and stands a chance to finish 2023 with at least 500 career walks. Additionally, Bregman rests just ten RBIs short of reaching 500 on his still relatively young seven-year career.
Shortstop: Jeremy Peña
Filling the proverbial shoes of departed All-Star free agent Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña turned heads and received significant national attention as the Astros’ new shortstop. By the end of upcoming season, Peña stands to reach 200 career hits, 40 career homers, and 100 career RBIs.
Finishing as high as fifth place in AL Rookie of the Year consideration, the 25-year-old shortstop earned a Gold Glove in his first year in the bigs. Concerning milestones, the question remains—can Peña become the first shortstop to win a Gold Glove in his first two seasons?
Coming up soon—an article on career milestones the Astros’ outfielders may achieve this season. Stay tuned.