Astros Part Ways With Jake Meyers After a Decade

The Houston Astros have outrighted Jake Meyers from their 40-man roster, and the 30-year-old outfielder has elected free agency. After nearly a decade with the organization, Meyers is now free to sign with another team.

Houston drafted Meyers in 2017. He made his debut with the Astros on August 1, 2021. Meyers was the primary center fielder from 2023 to 2025. He’s an elite defender, with 22 Defensive Runs Saved and 43 Outs Above Average, and he was a 2024 Gold Glove finalist.

That said, he had a rough 2026 season, and injuries cut it short. A Grade 2 oblique strain cost him about seven weeks, and he also dealt with lower back issues. He had a .580 OPS through his first 52 games, and Houston optioned him to Triple-A in early July. He returned for only five more games. In September, Meyers fouled a ball off his kneecap in a Triple-A game. The injury landed him on the IL and ended his season.

Meyers may have had a rough 2026, but he was a part of the 2022 team that took home the World Series title. He also played at least 100 games in each season from 2023 through 2025, giving Houston a regular presence in center field.

The Astros may lack some depth in the outfield, but they do have a handful of younger players who could play a larger role in 2027, as well as some trade rumors floating around.

Lucas Spence, conveniently a center fielder, had an explosive run at the end of the season. Although it was short-lived, it would be interesting to see how he would do with more time in the majors. He is a solid defender and was absolutely dominant at the plate. The question is whether he can maintain that production over a full season.

There is also Brice Matthews, a center fielder who spent a lot of time out there in 2026, but he didn’t have a particularly good season. He struggled at the plate, batting .201.

The Astros' outfield ranked 29th of 30 teams in OPS. Houston got Daulton Varsho from Toronto as a rental on August 3, and he’s now a free agent. Then, Joey Loperfido had hip surgery. Looking at their outfielders as a whole, the group looks thin.

Meyers' departure leaves Houston with another question to answer this offseason. The team has some younger options, but it remains to be seen whether any of them can take over a regular role in center field.