Former American League second base Golden Glove winner Jose Altuve has become a hot topic of discussion about whether he will switch to defensive outfield in the new season. However, with Alex Bregman's move to the Boston Red Sox, the nine-time All-Star spent time training at second base during spring training in addition to practicing left field. Houston Astros head coach Joe Espada said it was too early to draw conclusions and he didn't want the veteran to remain the talk of the town.

Joe Espada, who was a little tired of the two-time World Series champion team's defensive position changes, said: "What I know for sure is that he's still going to have some games as second baseman and things will change day by day. I'd like to hear his thoughts before we talk about his next move, but it's safe to assume that he'll have some second baseman appearances. ”

The Astros traded three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for Issac Paredes, a Mexican third baseman who was named to the All-Star Game for the first time last year. So, if Alex Bregman, who became a free agent in the offseason, can be re-signed and Brigman moves to second base, replacing Jose Outuwi, who has struggled to guard the midfield as he gets older, it would have been an option.

Although Joe Espada did not rule out the possibility of Jose Ottobe continuing as second baseman, in reality the team's operation was not like that. Last week, the team signed Luis Guillorme, and this week signed Brendan Rodgers, who won the National League second base gold glove with Colorado Rocky in 2022, plus Mauricio Dubon, the original infield all-rounder, and the competition for starting second basemen is quite fierce.

The 34-year-old has played for the Astros since making his major league debut in July 2011. Except for playing two games as a shortstop and a total of six innings, he was the team's leading second baseman the rest of the time. Mauricio Dupont is widely believed to be the starting second baseman of choice, and the two recent signings are meant to add depth to the roster and defensive combination options. But if DuPont needs to rest or can't play, the starting second baseman position should still be prioritized for Outovie, meaning the former American League MVP is the second choice to partner shortstop Jeremy Peña in the midfield.

As Joe Espada said, Jose Outowe must play in the outfield or as a designated batter in other games in addition to being the second baseman. The coach is also reassuring about the team's main player, saying: "Jose is very athletic and can do things that a lot of people can't do on the baseball field. If it's time to make adjustments, we'll talk to him. He's trying to help the team win in any way he can, which is very important for us. I think he's the cornerstone of the team, the heart of the organization. He understands this, and when the time comes, we will communicate. ”

In the past, the Astros have also successfully changed the position of the second baseman in the past. In 2003, to make room for Jeff Kent, they moved future Hall of Fame inductee Craig Biggio to the outfield.