What was once seen as a low-risk, high-reward move may soon come to an unceremonious end for the Astros.
When the Houston Astros took a flyer on Brendan Rodgers, the hope was that a change of scenery could help the former top-100 prospect rediscover the promise he once showed in Colorado. Instead, the experiment appears to be approaching a breaking point — quietly, but unmistakably.
Rodgers, once touted as the future of the Rockies’ infield, earned a Gold Glove at second base and showed flashes of offensive potential. His 2022 season — .267 average, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs in 135 games — hinted at a solid, if unspectacular, big-league career. Houston, looking for depth and versatility, saw enough to offer him a second chance.
But nearly two months into the 2025 season, Rodgers has yet to deliver on that gamble. His .204 batting average and negative WAR have made him a liability in a lineup that can ill afford empty at-bats. Even with strong defensive metrics, the lack of offensive production has become too big to ignore.
Crowded Infield, Shrinking Patience
The Astros’ infield isn’t hurting for healthy bodies. Jeremy Peña continues to hold down shortstop, and Jose Altuve — while spending more time in left field than usual — remains a major contributor. That flexibility has opened up second base, but Rodgers hasn’t capitalized.
Mauricio Dubón, another utility option, has also underperformed, slashing just .211/.252/.337 with a subpar OPS and wRC+. As Drew Koch of Climbing Tal’s Hill noted, the Astros’ options at second base are lacking punch, and both Rodgers and Dubón are testing the limits of the coaching staff’s patience.
An Internal Shakeup on the Horizon?
Shay Whitcomb, a rising prospect and recent Minor League Player of the Month, could be the answer — at least temporarily. The 25-year-old has been turning heads in Triple-A and may offer more offensive upside than either Rodgers or Dubón. With Houston trying to stay competitive in a tight AL West race, even a modest improvement at second base could make a significant difference.
A Career at a Crossroads
Rodgers’ time in Houston isn’t officially over, but the writing is on the wall. A demotion — or even a designation for assignment — seems plausible if his struggles continue. For a player who once ranked among the best young talents in baseball, it’s a harsh reality, but one that reflects the brutal nature of staying relevant in the majors.
The Astros gave Brendan Rodgers a chance. Now they may be forced to give it to someone else.
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