Houston Astros Sign INF Brendan Rodgers to Minor League Deal
The Houston Astros have reached an agreement with infielder Brendan Rodgers on a minor league contract, adding depth to their organization as they continue preparing for the upcoming season. Rodgers, a former first-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, joins Houston after spending the last several seasons with the Colorado Rockies.
Rodgers, 27, was once regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, showing immense potential as a middle infielder with strong defensive skills and the ability to hit for both average and power. His best season came in 2022 when he played in 137 games for the Rockies, batting .266 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs while earning a Gold Glove Award for his stellar defense at second base. However, injuries have hampered his career, limiting his ability to establish consistent production at the major league level.
Over the years, Rodgers has struggled with shoulder and hamstring injuries, which have kept him off the field for extended periods. In 2023, he appeared in just 46 games due to a shoulder issue that sidelined him for much of the season. When healthy, he has shown flashes of being a solid contributor, but durability concerns have played a significant role in his career trajectory.
For the Astros, this signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move. By bringing Rodgers in on a minor league deal, they are giving him an opportunity to regain his form without committing a major financial investment. If he can stay healthy and perform well in the minors, he could provide valuable infield depth for Houston later in the season. With second base and shortstop already occupied by Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña, Rodgers would likely need to prove he can be a reliable backup option or find a role as a utility infielder.
Houston has been known for identifying and developing talent, and Rodgers’ skill set fits the type of player the organization tends to take chances on. He possesses a strong defensive ability and has the potential to be a productive hitter if he can recapture his pre-injury form. Given the Astros’ competitive aspirations, having depth in the infield will be crucial as they navigate the long MLB season.
Rodgers will now have the opportunity to showcase his abilities in spring training, where he will compete for a spot within the organization. If he can stay healthy and produce at a high level, he may earn a call-up to the big leagues at some point in 2024. If not, he could still serve as an experienced depth piece in the Astros’ farm system.
The Astros’ signing of Rodgers continues their trend of adding depth through minor league deals, ensuring they have insurance options in case of injuries or unexpected struggles within their infield. While there are no guarantees, Rodgers has the talent to make an impact if he can stay on the field and regain his confidence.
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