HOUSTON – The Astros’ roster remains loaded with talent, including a mix of established veterans and key newcomers poised for larger roles.
Here are some of the top players to watch and why as the Astros look to return to playoffs this season after missing the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade last season while dealing with a multitude of injuries:
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Hunter Brown
Brown is a legitimate ace who emerged as a reliable presence on the mound last season, going 12-9 as a starter with a 2.43 earned run average and 206 strikeouts.
He’s regarded as a potential Cy Young Award winner.
Yordan Alvarez
Alvarez is on the comeback trail after dealing with injuries last season.
Alvarez has recovered from a broken bone in his right hand and was limited to 48 games last season before spraining his left ankle.
A healthy Alvarez provides a huge boost to the lineup. He has 170 career home runs and 493 RBIs, but just six home runs and 27 RBIs during an injury-riddled year. Alvarez is considered one of the elite sluggers in the game.
Jose Altuve
A former Most Valuable Player, nine-time all-star and two-time World Series champion, Altuve is the longest-tenured player on the roster and is a key leader in the clubhouse.
The diminutive veteran second baseman hit 26 home runs last season. He has a career .303 batting average with 255 home runs and 889 RBIs and still has plenty of pop in his swing. He’s regarded as a future Hall of Fame selection.
Jeremy Peña
Peña bashed a home run in the final exhibition game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys as he has recovered from a fractured right ring finger suffered while playing for the Dominican Republic.
The 394-foot home run is ready for the season and is part of the Opening Day roster as he sheds the rust accumulated during his rehab time.
The all-star told reporters after the exhibition game: “I feel good. I feel like right now the concern is not the finger. The finger feels good to go. It’s a matter of getting at-bats and feeling like you’re ready.”
Tatsuya Imai
Imai is a pivotal newcomer to the Astros’ starting rotation. He displayed a lot of skill during spring training and the organization is excited about this international addition.
Carlos Correa
A former top overall pick, Rookie of the Year and three-time all-star who rejoined the Astros last season in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, Correa hit 13 home runs last season with 52 RBIs.
For his career, Correa has 200 home runs and 724 RBIs.
Cam Smith
The Astros are excited about Smith’s potential after an encouraging rookie year. He’s expected to ascend into a larger role this season at the plate and in the outfield.
Brice Matthews
One of the top prospects in the Astros system, Matthews is a good outfielder with excellent speed and power. The Atascosita graduate has advanced quickly up the organizational ranks and made the Opening Day roster. He is a 2023 first-round draft pick and regarded as an up-and-coming player at age 24. He shined during the final exhibition game at the plate.
Mike Burrows
Burrows figures to be one of the best new players in the pitching rotation.
He went 2-4 last season with a 3.94 ERA and 97 strikeouts for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was acquired in a three-team trade involving the Tampa Rays, the Pirates and the Astros.
Yainer Diaz
An established young catcher, Diaz hit 20 home runs last season with 139 hits and a .256 batting average. He has a career .454 slugging percentage.
Aaron Wilson is a KPRC 2 reporter for click2houston.com