How Astros' center-field battle is shaping up  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Chas McCormick, coming off a memorable postseason performance that included a game-saving catch at the wall in Philadelphia in Game 5 of the World Series, arrived in camp this year more comfortable with his surroundings. Jake Meyers, who hadn’t been right since tearing the labrum in his left shoulder crashing into the wall in Chicago during the 2021 ALDS, came to camp as healthy as he’s been in a while.

The pair’s newfound optimism for the spring set the stage for what figures to be a race to the wire to determine who will be the Astros’ starter in center field on Opening Day, though it’s likely both will make the roster to start the season. The Astros haven’t had a steady center fielder since losing George Springer in free agency after the 2020 season and took one -- Tennessee’s Drew Gilbert -- with their first-round pick in last year’s MLB Draft.

Astros manager Dusty Baker declared at the start of camp that McCormick and Meyers would be in a competition in center, and nothing has changed with three weeks remaining in camp. Both are expected to get plenty of at-bats during Grapefruit League play, with Baker hoping one will emerge.

"Well, they've been competing against each other for a long time -- all through the Minor Leagues,” Baker said before Houston's 6-2 win over Washington on Sunday afternoon. “And then one got the nod over one, and then the other came in because the other [was] hurt. So, we'll see how it goes. That's why I'm playing them every other day -- one in center and one in left. Jake has never played left. I'm trying to have as many scenarios, and make them familiar with those scenarios, as possible."

The only Opening Day spot in Houston’s outfield that is secure is in right field, where Kyle Tucker is an entrenched All-Star. Veteran left fielder Michael Brantley is still working his way back from shoulder surgery and hoping to be ready for games in three weeks. If he’s not, Meyers and McCormick could both find their way into the Opening Day lineup -- one in center and one in left.

"Chas came on strong last year, and he's really learned how to play center," Baker said. "He's done an outstanding job. Jake already knows how to play center. It's just a matter of if he's healed from his injury and how he responds offensively. There's probably a spot for both, and we'll have to see how to use them."

McCormick came through the Minors as a corner outfielder and emerged as an option in center while the club traded two center fielders -- Myles Straw in ’21 and Jose Siri last year -- at the Deadline. Meyers came up to the Majors after the Straw trade and held his own until his labrum injury in the ALDS. His return to the lineup last June came a bit too fast in Baker’s mind, with Meyers struggling at the plate and with his throws.

Even in his first few at-bats in the spring, Meyers is swinging with more confidence and pulling the ball more. In 160 plate appearances with the Astros last year, he posted a .582 OPS and struck out 54 times. Meyers says he’s in a better frame of mind, and healthy, this year.

“A lot healthier and I’m feeling great,” he said. “It’s been a great offseason and [I’ve] put in a lot of work and [I’m] getting ready for the year. I just feel as clear-minded as I have in the past and I feel great.”

McCormick, even with his postseason heroics -- which included go-ahead homers in the ALCS against the Yankees in Game 1 and Game 3 (off Gerrit Cole), in addition to his catch -- has to perform better against right-handed pitching to be an everyday player. He had a .645 OPS last year against right-handers, who have been pounding him inside this spring. He’s working on having better plate discipline.

“[I’ve] got to earn my spot,” McCormick said. “I haven’t proved myself as a starter yet. I’ve been platooning my first two years. … There is a lot of competition and a lot of good outfielders in this organization. [Baker is] going to do what he wants to do and I need to be consistent. Over the [past two seasons], I’ve been a little inconsistent and [becoming consistent] is a goal of mine this year.”