WEST PALM BEACH, FL – As the Houston Astros begin spring training, manager Joe Espada has affirmed that José Altuve will remain a cornerstone of the infield, primarily playing second base in 2026. The decision, announced Monday, signals a return to stability for the veteran and a clear message about Espada’s vision for the team’s defense.
The announcement comes after a 2025 season that saw Altuve experiment with a new position, spending time in left field. While the move was intended to provide flexibility, it ultimately proved disruptive to the perennial All-Star’s consistency at the plate. Altuve himself acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new defensive role, stating he was seeking “more stability, more consistency” after a season he described as having “a big separation” between his best and worst performances.
“José is an elite athlete and his presence at second base gives us a competitive advantage we don’t want to sacrifice,” Espada told reporters. The manager’s comments underscore the value he places on Altuve’s established skillset and the comfort level the star player brings to the infield.
A Return to Familiar Territory
For over a decade, Altuve has been synonymous with the second base position for the Astros. His exceptional fielding, quick reflexes, and strong arm have made him a defensive stalwart. More importantly, his leadership and experience are considered invaluable, particularly as the Astros navigate a new era under Espada. Keeping Altuve at second base isn’t simply about defensive optimization; it’s about maintaining a familiar anchor in the infield and providing a steadying presence for younger players.
The decision to reinstate Altuve as the primary second baseman appears to be a direct response to his struggles in left field last season. In 155 games played in 2025, Altuve slashed .265/.329/.442 with 26 home runs and 77 RBIs. While those numbers are respectable, his WAR dropped significantly to 0.5, a considerable decline from his 3.4 WAR in 2024. The defensive transition clearly impacted his overall performance, and Espada seems determined to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
While Altuve will focus on second base, Espada indicated that the team will likely utilize him at designated hitter on occasion to manage his workload throughout the long season. This strategic approach will allow the Astros to keep Altuve fresh and productive while still maximizing his impact on the field. Players like Isaac Paredes will also see time at second base, providing depth and versatility to the infield.
Impact on the Astros’ Outlook
Altuve’s return to second base has broader implications for the Astros’ roster construction and overall strategy. With his position solidified, the team can now focus on finalizing the rest of the infield, particularly at shortstop and third base. The stability at second base also allows Espada to experiment with different lineup configurations, knowing he has a reliable presence at the top of the order.
The Astros’ success in recent years has been built on a foundation of strong defense and consistent offensive production. By restoring Altuve to his natural position, Espada is signaling his commitment to those core principles. The move also demonstrates a willingness to learn from past experiments and prioritize the needs of the team over positional experimentation.
The decision to keep Altuve at second base isn’t just about the present; it’s also about the future. As the Astros look to contend for another championship, they need their veteran leaders to perform at their best. By providing Altuve with a stable and familiar role, Espada is setting him up for success and maximizing his chances of contributing to a winning team.
The Astros’ spring training will now shift into high gear as they evaluate the rest of their roster and prepare for the upcoming season. With Altuve firmly entrenched at second base, the team appears to be heading into 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for success.
