Houston Astros Restructure Roster Ahead of Opening Day

The Houston Astros are undergoing significant changes to their lineup ahead of the new season, with key departures including Alex Bregman, who signed with the Boston Red Sox, and Kyle Tucker, traded to the Chicago Cubs. Jose Altuve is transitioning from second base to left field, although his performance in this new position has been inconsistent. The team is considering 22-year-old top prospect Cam Smith for a major league role after his impressive spring training, raising questions about roster decisions involving other players. Manager Joe Espada is experimenting with batting order configurations, particularly involving Yordan Alvarez and new acquisition Isaac Paredes. While the Astros have been a dominant force in the AL West, they face increased competition from emerging teams like the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers. As Opening Day approaches, the Astros must finalize their roster amid these uncertainties and shifts in player roles.