Should the Astros Wait Until 2028 to Fix Their Crowded Infield

The Houston Astros are entering the 2027 season with an overcrowded infield. While there are lots of options to solve this issue ahead of the upcoming season, like shifting positions or trading players, should this issue wait to be resolved until 2028?

They started the 2026 season with the same issue. They were able to navigate the overcrowding until Carlos Correa was sidelined for the rest of the season, which temporarily solved the issue. 

Now, Paredes did step up and prove he deserves the time, based on his 2026 season. That said, with contracts expiring and some of the infield getting older, should they hold on to everyone in 2027 and shift players around until the issue resolves itself?

Three of their infielders are in their 30s and have contracts expiring at the end of 2027 or near the end of their contracts. Let's take a closer look at what they have and how long they have it for.

Starting with Christian Walker. Walker is 35 and turns 36 just three days after Opening Day 2027. Holding on to Walker instead of trading him is one less moving part for the Astros to tackle in the offseason, when they already have a pretty long list to handle.

Aside from Walker taking a serious decline after the All-Star break at the plate, he still has a lot to offer. His value is his glove. The three-time Gold Glove winner is also a finalist after the 2026 season. So keeping him around at first for 2027 is not necessarily a bad idea.

He needs to tighten up at the plate and avoid those serious slumps. But if they hold on to him, he still adds value, and his contract will expire at the end of next season, potentially easing the crowded infield problem since Paredes can move over to first.

Then there is Jose Altuve, one of the best Astros players in the history of the organization. Altuve turns 37 in May 2027, and his contract ends in 2029. While he will not be leaving anytime soon, it is not too early for the team to look ahead and see who they have within their organization to step in at second base, a role they have had filled since his debut in 2011.

That said, Houston will eventually need to plan for life after Altuve, which could open up another spot in the infield down the road.

Then, of course, the return of Carlos Correa. The 32-year-old will be back at it in 2027 after a season-ending injury resulting in ankle surgery last season.

Correa is a versatile player who can play both shortstop and third base. With Jeremy Peña at shortstop and Paredes at third, where does Correa fit in?

Defensively, Correa has a strong track record as a former Gold Glove shortstop. That said, his injury history makes him a candidate for designated hitter to reduce the physical demands of playing in the field.

Paredes is only 27. The Astros hold a $13.35 million club option, cheaper than his projected $15 million in arbitration, per MLB Trade Rumors.

Correa is signed through 2028, so Houston still needs to find a way to make room for him and Paredes next season.

Is Waiting Worth the Risk?

Waiting until 2028 would allow Houston to avoid making a major move this offseason, but it would also mean dealing with the crowded infield for another year.

With Walker's contract expiring after 2027, the Astros could have more flexibility heading into 2028. The question is whether they can make the current arrangement work until then.

For now, holding on to Walker, keeping Paredes at third, and revisiting the situation in 2028 may be Houston's best option.