Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Saturday that the Astros are in talks to add a right-handed outfielder and have shown interest in recently released Rob Refsnyder and Austin Hays.
- The chase follows Houston’s deadline pickup of left-hander Daulton Varsho and a clear shortfall from the club’s right-handed outfielders, who have combined for a .192 batting average and .633 OPS in 238 plate appearances versus left-handed pitching.
- Refsnyder’s 2026 performance fell sharply — he hit .140/.211/.254 in 129 plate appearances and missed most of July with right knee inflammation — while Hays has been limited by a right hamstring strain and a major left calf issue and appeared in only 12 games this year.
- Any addition would likely be a low-cost, short-term signing on the prorated league minimum with the player’s former team covering the remainder of the original contract, reducing Houston’s financial risk.
- If the Astros sign a veteran right-handed bat it could lift the Varsho–Cam Smith platoon and take pressure off Jake Meyers’ struggling offense, and the club may also consider other inexpensive options such as Stuart Fairchild or Jorge Soler depending on defensive fit.