Astros Sign Veteran Infielder to Minor League Deal
The Houston Astros have signed veteran infielder Brendan Rodgers to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. Rodgers became a free agent for the first time on November 22 after the Colorado Rockies chose not to tender him a contract. Originally selected third overall in the 2015 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut on May 19, 2019, as a second baseman for the Rockies against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite flashes of potential, Rodgers’ career has been hampered by injuries. Now, he aims to complete a full season in 2025.
Rodgers’ Career and Value to Houston
Ranked as the ninth-best second baseman entering free agency by Spotrac, Rodgers offers strong value for the Astros this close to the start of spring training. Over six seasons, he has accumulated a career WAR of 5.9 while batting .266/.316/.409 with 45 home runs and 197 RBIs across 1,690 at-bats. Initially seen as a key piece of the Rockies’ infield alongside Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story, Rodgers struggled with injuries, limiting his ability to establish himself. He played in just 46 games in 2023 and has never appeared in more than 137 games in a season.
In 2024, he maintained his career averages, hitting .267/.314/.407 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. His Hard-Hit rate ranked in the 70th percentile at 44.1%, but his walk rate (5.8%) and barrel rate (5.6%) were both in the bottom 25% of the league. Despite recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for much of 2023, he managed to play in 135 games last season. Additionally, Rodgers is a strong defensive presence, having won a Gold Glove at second base in 2022. At 28, he still has the potential to be an impact player if he can stay healthy.
With Houston experimenting with Jose Altuve in left field, signing Rodgers provides infield depth. While he lacks Altuve’s speed and on-base skills, he is a solid defender and has shown offensive potential in the past. The primary concern remains his durability, as injuries have consistently derailed his momentum. However, if he can stay healthy and perform well in spring training, Rodgers could turn out to be a valuable addition for the Astros.
2024 Performance and Splits
Rodgers endured a slow start in 2024, hitting just .118/.118/.176 in March. However, he rebounded over the next three months, posting a .296/.337/.459 line with five home runs and 27 RBIs in 223 at-bats. His best stretch came in August, when he hit .330/.364/.573 with six home runs and 16 RBIs. One of his top performances occurred on August 29 in a 12-8 loss to the Miami Marlins, where he went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs. While he had strong showings at Coors Field, he struggled on the road.
At home, Rodgers hit an impressive .328/.386/.502 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs in 235 at-bats. In contrast, he posted a .214/.247/.323 line with just four home runs and 19 RBIs in 266 road at-bats. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was also significantly worse on the road (83:11) compared to at home (49:20). Although he played in 135 games—his highest total in a season—he still dealt with multiple stints on the injured list.
Rodgers’ Fit in Houston
Rodgers now faces the challenge of proving he can be a productive hitter outside of Coors Field. Without the extreme altitude fluctuations that have impacted many former Rockies hitters, he could benefit from a more stable offensive environment. Adjusting to a new setting may take time, but there is potential for him to be an effective hitter in Houston. He joins a talented roster that features Altuve, slugger Yordan Alvarez, and newly acquired first baseman Christian Walker. Having spent his entire career with a rebuilding Rockies team, Rodgers will now aim to make his first-ever postseason appearance with the Astros.
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