If José Altuve moving to the outfield sounds wild, well… it kind of is. The guy has been one of the best second basemen in baseball for years, known for his quick reflexes, slick defense, and baseball smarts. But now? He’s grabbing an outfielder’s glove and stepping into a whole new challenge. Instead of scooping up grounders and turning double plays, he’ll have to track fly balls, cover more ground, and make longer throws. At 5-foot-6, left field seems like the best fit, where his speed and instincts could help him adjust. But whether he can pull it off? That’s what spring training is for.

Jose Altuve – Baseball Reference

So, why the move? Two big reasons: First, the Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, leaving a big hole in the outfield. Second—though no one in Houston will say it out loud—Altuve’s defense at second base just isn’t what it used to be. The numbers don’t lie. Whether he can be a solid left fielder is an open question, but if Houston’s last Hall of Fame second baseman (who once played catcher, second, and center field) could pull it off, maybe Altuve can too. Either way, it’s going to be an interesting experiment to watch!

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