Jose Altuve

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Jose Altuve will play most games in left field this season, per team updates, with Mauricio Dubón favored at second base.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve’s shift to left field, confirmed Wednesday by Espada, locks him as the Astros’ everyday outfielder, with Dubón taking second base after Altuve’s solid camp transition. Plans could shift later. Fantasy managers in all leagues should roster him, expecting his elite bat to thrive in Houston’s lineup from left field, retaining multi-position value early in 2025.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Thursday that Altuve has done "enough for me to feel good about playing (him in) left field," per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Fantasy Impact

Despite a miscue at the left-field wall against the Cardinals, Altuve appears to be adapting well to his defensive transition. The 34-year-old has spent his entire career as a second baseman, but Houston is exploring a shift to the outfield for him. While Espada hasn't officially named Altuve the starting left fielder, his comments suggest the move is becoming more likely.

Astros manager Joe Espada said the plan is for Jose Altuve to play the majority of his games in left field this season.

Fantasy Impact

"Right now the plan is for (Altuve) to play the majority of his games in left field, and the days that he plays second base opens the door for Yordan maybe getting a start in left field, someone getting a DH day," Espada said. So this move allows us to be creative and do stuff like that." Altuve will likely have eligibility at both second base and left field for fantasy managers.

Jose Altuve will make his Grapefruit League debut in left field for the Astros on Friday against the Cardinals, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve has never played left field in professional baseball, but he's been preparing for the transition throughout spring training. With Houston looking to optimize its lineup, the veteran's shift to the outfield could provide more flexibility. Altuve remains a key offensive piece after slashing .295/.350/.439 with 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases last season, and his ability to adapt defensively will be a storyline to watch heading into 2025.

Jose Altuve is expected to get into a spring training game in left field later this week for the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve continues to work solely in left field early on in camp for Houston. It is sounding like this could be where he plays on Opening Day for the Astros.