Are the Astros preparing for a new star player? Based on the Spring Training leaderboards, it seems that one may be in the making! While many of their prospects have been given the chance to prove themselves, one player, in particular, stands out. Meet Justin Dirden, a 25-year-old outfielder who may force his way onto the Astros’ 40-man roster at some point in 2023.
Dirden had an impressive 2022 season, showcasing noticeable power in Double-A Corpus Christi with a 157 wRC+ but struggling in a 32-game stretch with Triple-A Sugar Land, where he only scored a 73 wRC+. However, this season, he’s turning heads in camp, standing out as the most impressive hitter. With four of his five base hits going for extra bases, including two home runs, Dirden is proving he could be the backup position in the outfield, filling in for Michael Brantley, who might miss Opening Day.
Dirden’s inclusion for Opening Day is not guaranteed, but his performance so far has certainly put him in contention. As a left-handed hitter, he has a valuable skillset for any team, and his defensive versatility in the outfield only adds to his appeal. Even if he doesn’t make it onto the active roster at the start of the season, his status in the organization is certainly rising.
The Astros’ prospects have been given the chance to prove themselves in the lead-up to the 2023 season. While it’s a small sample size in Spring Training, Justin Dirden’s performance has certainly presented hope that he could become a vital member of the active roster in the future. Watch out for this rising star!
Source: www.crawfishboxes.com