Jose Altuve has new Astros position to start 2025 season

In Jose Altuve’s 15th major league season, he will be (primarily) playing a new position.The nine-time All-Star, who has only played either second base or shortstop in his career, will officially be the team’s main left fielder to start the season, Houston manager Joe Espada told reporters Wednesday.

His first crack in the regular season will be on Opening Day against the Mets at Daikin Park.Espada did qualify that Altuve’s position switch is subject to change.“I don’t want to put a number on starts, percentage, none of that,” Espada said.

“Right now, I like where he’s at defensively.He’s committed to being the best left fielder, and we’re going to give him the opportunity, but he knows in a seven-, eight-month season, things can change.

Jose’s attitude is always doing what’s best for the team.”Before Wednesday night’s game against the Mets, Altuve played in nine games in the corner outfield spot, making 11 of 13 total putout chances with two errors.Mauricio Dubon was the team’s primary left fielder a season ago, but he’s now expected to flip-flop with Altuve.A Gold Glove winner in 2015, Altuve’s up-the-middle defense has steadily declined in the past few seasons, particularly in 2024 when he ranked in the third percentile in outs above average, according to Baseball Savant.

The 34-year-old’s bat has remained strong after he put up a .295/.350./.439 slash line in 2024.Houston, after winning the American League West last year, will have a different look in other places this season following the trade of outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and third baseman Alex Bregman’s departure for the Red Sox....