Meyers wants to establish himself as a worthy employee.
This article was taken from the Astros Beat newsletter by Brian McTaggart. Go here to view the newsletter in its entirety.And sign up to receive it in your inbox on a regular basis.
Florida’s WEST PALM BEACH –A week or so before of the position players’ report date, Jake Meyers was among the first players in position this season to report to Astros camp. A month earlier, Meyers was crowned the team’s starting center fielder, but that didn’t influence his perspective going into 2024.
“I’m thrilled about the chance,” he declared. “I believe that I have worked hard for this throughout my career, not just this season. I’m just happy that I have the chance, and I’m prepared to go.
The Astros focused their offseason efforts on locating a backup catcher and relief pitchers rather than adding an outfielder, which led them to decide to start Meyers. Meyers is also a fantastic defensive outfielder with a powerful arm and excellent range. Houston is hoping that with regular playing time, his inconsistent bat would improve.
Chas McCormick will start in left field with Kyle Tucker in right and Meyers in center. When Yordan Alvarez, the designated hitter, starts in left, he will also play center. McCormick expressed gratitude for the club’s devotion to Meyers and to him.
“They ought to have faith in [us],” McCormick declared.
Meyers will have an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in center field, according to Astros general manager Dana Brown, who made the announcement during the Winter Meetings. With players like Tucker, Alvarez, Alex Bregman at third, Jose Altuve at second, José Abreu at first, and 2022 World Series MVP Jeremy Peña at shortstop, the Astros have elite players at almost every position on the field. A potential breakout star in 2024 is Yainer Diaz, a catcher who finished fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting the previous season.
Next is Meyers, a big-shouldered Nebraskan who sliced and started a team-high 87 games in center in 2023.227/.296/.382 with 33 RBIs and 10 home runs. When Michael Brantley returned from injury at the end of the season, Meyers’ playing time drastically decreased, and he was left off of the ALCS team for the postseason.
“Having that support from the top [of the organization] is fantastic, but it really comes down to putting in the work every day, being persistent, and having faith in the process,” Meyers stated. My main focus is on doing everything I can to help the team win.
Before hurting his left shoulder while making a catch in Game 4 of the ALDS, Meyers, 27, had a strong rookie debut in 49 games in 2021 and established himself as the team’s starting center fielder throughout the postseason. After surgery to fix a damaged labrum, he didn’t play for the Astros again until June 24, 2022, during which time he made 150 plate appearances and struck out 50 times. Dusty Baker, the manager of the Astros, believed Meyers returned too soon.
Meyers is in good health and has not had surgery in a few years. He now has another chance to make a name for himself on one of baseball’s most competitive clubs. The Astros’ decision about Meyers’ length of stay will be based on his offensive output. which this spring will be the spotlight. In the major leagues last season, Meyers’ hard-hit percentage, average exit velocity, and predicted batting average were all in the bottom five percent.
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