Overview
- The Astros designated Jake Meyers for assignment on Monday, later outrighted him from the 40-man roster, and he has elected free agency.
- Meyers’ 2026 season was cut short by a Grade 2 right oblique strain, lower back trouble and a September kneecap injury in Triple-A, limiting him to 57 major-league games and a .213/.268/.326 slash line.
- A 2017 draftee and member of Houston’s 2022 World Series team, Meyers is valued for elite defense — highlighted by strong Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average totals — even as his recent offense and health declined.
- Meyers entered 2026 with about 4.044 years of service time and a projected $3.6 million arbitration salary, factors that could deter waiver claims or shape his market as a free agent.
- Houston used the roster opening to add prospects Roddery Munoz, Evan Reifert and Cesar Salazar and now has 39 players on the 40-man roster, a move that boosts internal outfield options and raises questions about who will handle center field in 2027.