Astros Finalize Roster as Brendan Rodgers Joins Major League Team

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Astros officially selected the contract of Brendan Rodgers from Triple-A Sugar Land on March 26, confirming the former Colorado Rockies second baseman’s addition to the major league roster ahead of Opening Day.

Rodgers, who signed a minor league deal last month, will likely serve as the starting second baseman, while the Astros plan to deploy José Altuve in left field. This decision comes despite Rodgers’ underwhelming Spring Training performance, where he batted just .233 without a home run while appearing in 44 plate appearances.

The contract details reveal that Rodgers has a base salary of $2 million with the potential to earn an additional $300,000 through performance incentives, specifically based on his plate appearances. He will receive $50,000 bonuses for reaching plate appearance milestones of 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, and 450.

“He has more than five years of service time, so he can’t be sent to the minors without his consent, which gives us some flexibility,” Astros manager Joe Espada explained to reporters.

Once regarded as a top prospect, Rodgers was the third overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. He spent four seasons with the Rockies but never fully met the expectations associated with his high draft status. Last season, he finished with a batting average of .267, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 54 runs over 539 plate appearances. However, Rodgers showed significant home/road splits, batting .328 at Coors Field compared to just .214 on the road.

“His ability to adjust to road conditions is essential for our plans,” Espada added regarding Rodgers’ performance away from the thin air of Colorado.

In 2022, Rodgers won a Gold Glove for his defensive play at second base. However, public metrics suggest this accolade was an outlier, given that he has been rated as an average defender in previous seasons. Since 2021, he has not played any position other than second base, which may limit his utility value as a bench player.

As the Astros prepare for the season, the organization is aiming to optimize player performance and minimize inefficiencies associated with player transitions from different environmental conditions. “It’s vital for the organization to assess these factors accurately for fair player evaluations,” said a team analyst.

Alongside Rodgers, the Astros finalized their 26-man roster, with notable selections including Cam Smith and Zack Dezenzo. Previously announced adjustments included designating catcher/infielder/outfielder for assignment and placing a right-handed pitcher on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from surgery.

With two open spots on their 40-man roster, the Astros have positioned themselves to adapt as the season begins. The team will closely monitor returning players and continue to look for ways to bolster their lineup amid various injuries that have affected their depth.

As Opening Day approaches, the Astros are hoping that Rodgers can help solidify their infield, while Altuve’s move to left field has raised questions about his ability to cover ground effectively. “We believe in their potential and adaptability,” Espada concluded.