The Houston Astros enter the 2026 MLB season having to decide what to do defensively with Jose Altuve.
A long-time second baseman, Altuve spent a bunch of time in 2025 playing left field.
So what now?
Astros manager said Saturday that Altuve will play mostly second base in the season ahead but could be used in left field in a pinch, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
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It's likely a welcome reality for Altuve, who never looked to fully adjust to the outfield last season.
Altuve actually won a Gold Glove at second base way back in 2015, but at this point, he's not an impactful defensive player.
In 2025, Altuve played 47 games in left field, along with 66 games at second base.
Before that, he had never appeared in the outfield in his MLB career.
Altuve does have six career innings played at the MLB level at shortstop, but otherwise, he's been a second baseman.
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Adding left field to his repertoire could help the Astros in a tricky situation in the season ahead, but it definitely makes sense for them to rely on Altuve back at second base.
At this point, Houston just needs Altuve to hit. In 2025, he batted.265 with 26 home runs and a.771 OPS. If he can do that or better, his defensive position will be less important.
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