Astros' Dana Brown pushing crowded infield problem into offseason

Astros' Dana Brown pushing crowded infield problem into offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Astros, after landing Carlos Correa at the trade deadline, have an issue in the infield. Between Correa, Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes, Jeremy Pena, and Christian Walker, the infield is too crowded.

While some changes are likely to be made in the offseason, any such conversations aren't taking place just yet. Instead, those conversations are being pushed into the future.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Astros general manager Dana Brown isn't deciding on the infield's structure long-term until the offseason.

Infield Structure is a Problem For Future Dana Brown

The Astros' infield, with Altuve, Pena, Paredes, Walker, Correa, and Ramon Urias, is something the Astros aren't planning to address yet. With injuries to Paredes and other players who could affect the infield rotation, the long-term infield problem is something Brown isn't going to solve just yet.

"Asked what could come after that," Rome writes, "Brown reiterated the club will 'cross that bridge when we get there.'"

It's a clear stance that, for now, the Astros won't make any decision on the infield structure for the future. While the problem will be an interesting one to settle in the offseason, in 2025, it's not something that will be solved.

With Correa locking down third base and on a $70 million deal for the next three years, he's likely to stay at third base. But, outside of him, there's a lot of potential movement that could occur.

Pena is incredible and having a breakout season, but the Astros might consider moving him for a huge return, since he might not re-sign when he hits free agency.

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Walker is also a potential trade chip, as is Paredes. If the Astros were to trade Walker, Paredes would likely settle as the team's first baseman. In a Paredes deal, the Astros would keep Walker at first, and go with Pena at shortstop and a rotation at second base.

Come the 2025-2026 offseason, the Astros front office will be one to follow closely. A lot of changes could be coming for just the infield. Brice Matthews, who is the Astros' top prospect and was previously called up, could also factor into the infield in 2026.

It's an issue that the Astros will have to resolve before next season. But, for now, Brown is not worried about it and is pushing that problem into the future.

Amid their postseason push, it's no surprise that this issue isn't being addressed yet. The rest of the year could also help dictate what they do, as the Astros could see more or less from their infield rotation.

Regardless of what the Astros decide to go with, the solution won't be made until the offseason. Walker, Pena, and Paredes will have their futures determined in the offseason, with each potentially being a trade chip come this winter.

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