Jose Altuve

Astros manager Joe Espada said the plan is for Jose Altuve to play the majority of his games in left field this season.

Fantasy Impact

"Right now the plan is for (Altuve) to play the majority of his games in left field, and the days that he plays second base opens the door for Yordan maybe getting a start in left field, someone getting a DH day," Espada said. So this move allows us to be creative and do stuff like that." Altuve will likely have eligibility at both second base and left field for fantasy managers.

Jose Altuve will make his Grapefruit League debut in left field for the Astros on Friday against the Cardinals, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve has never played left field in professional baseball, but he's been preparing for the transition throughout spring training. With Houston looking to optimize its lineup, the veteran's shift to the outfield could provide more flexibility. Altuve remains a key offensive piece after slashing .295/.350/.439 with 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases last season, and his ability to adapt defensively will be a storyline to watch heading into 2025.

Jose Altuve is expected to get into a spring training game in left field later this week for the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve continues to work solely in left field early on in camp for Houston. It is sounding like this could be where he plays on Opening Day for the Astros.

Jose Altuve is not running the bases at camp on Friday because he’s been running in the outfield so much.

Fantasy Impact

It is a big adjustment playing in the outfield compared to second base when it comes to the amount of running. Altuve is slated to start in left field in the Astros spring training opener on Saturday.

Jose Altuve will play left field in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener as the Astros continue their plan to transition him from second base, per the team's announcement. The move is designed to open up the designated hitter spot for Yordan Alvarez full-time.

Fantasy Impact

Altuve has played exclusively at second base since 2011, but Houston appears committed to this defensive shift. His transition leaves Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Dubón, Shay Whitcomb, and top prospect Brice Matthews in competition for the starting second base job. If Altuve sticks in the outfield, it could impact his long-term fantasy eligibility at second base, though his offensive value remains unchanged. Fantasy managers should monitor how this experiment unfolds throughout camp.