Astros Plan for Jose Altuve to Spend Majority of Time in Left Field

The idea of Jose Altuve transitioning from second base to left field emerged when the Astros reengaged with Alex Bregman late in the offseason. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, there were discussions about re-signing Bregman, moving Isaac Paredes from third base to second base, and shifting Altuve to the outfield. Initially, many were skeptical of this plan, given that Altuve had only played six major league innings at a position other than second base—all at shortstop. However, as Houston's chances of reuniting with Bregman dwindled, the Astros continued to give Altuve reps in left field.
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Both manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown have expressed their desire to see Altuve in left field and reduce Yordan Alvarez’s time in the outfield. Despite Bregman ultimately signing with Boston, the experiment of Altuve in left field has persisted. Espada and Brown are optimistic about Altuve's ability to adapt to his new position, believing it will benefit the team's overall defense and lineup flexibility.