Lucas Spence Could Be a Key Piece of the Astros’ Future

One of the biggest stories to come out of the end of the season for the Astros is center fielder Lucas Spence. 

Spence made his major league debut earlier in the season on July 17, but was optioned back to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Spence figured his season was over after Sugar Land ended, but he wasn't even close to done with the 2026 season. He was recalled on September 23, and boy was that a good choice. 

The 23-year-old went 0-for-3 against the Seattle Mariners for his MLB return. On September 23, he was just another young kid striking out at the plate; on September 24, he was making headlines. 

His first game back was nothing special, but when the Astros opened the final series of the season against the Athletics, it was a different story. Spence hit his first major league home run, a three-run shot during a game the Astros desperately needed. At that point, Spence had already done his part, but he wasn't done yet. He crushed two more home runs, both solo shots, and just like that, Spence had driven in five runs for the Astros.

It’s already exciting to hit your first major league home run, but to hit three is unreal. Who does that? 

Spence continued to come in clutch for the remaining three games of the four-game series. He hit one more home run and had a massive two-run triple in another game. 

Spence collected nine RBI during the series and was a major contributor in every way, especially helping end the regular season on a high note and secure a spot in the postseason. 

Here is a look at Spence's stats for the final series of the regular season, Astros vs. Athletics:

6-for-15 (.400), 4 HR, 9 RBI, 5 runs, 1 double, 1 triple, .500 OBP, 1.400 SLG, 1.900 OPS

After his stellar performance in the final series, Spence earned himself a spot in the Astros' starting lineup for the postseason. 

While his performance in the postseason didn't have the same pop and his bat may have cooled off a bit, the fact that he was trusted with back-to-back postseason starts after such a short run in the majors says a lot about this kid.

If it wasn't for this late call-up, Spence might not be part of the Astros' conversation for 2027, but he should be now.