Astros Make Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Day
This afternoon, the Houston Astros announced the release of outfielder Ben Gamel and left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks. In addition, the team confirmed that infielder Luis Guillorme and right-hander Miguel Castro will not be part of the Opening Day roster, but will stay with the club for the remainder of Spring Training.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, right-handers Forrest Whitley and Kaleb Ort will start the season on the injured list. The release of Gamel from the 40-man roster leaves the Astros with just 39 players on that list.
Ben Gamel’s Career Overview
Ben Gamel, turning 33 in May, appeared in 20 games for the Astros last season and had recently re-signed with them on a one-year contract, which included a $200K signing bonus and a $1 million salary if he made the team. Although he will not be part of the Opening Day roster, he will enter free agency having received the signing bonus. Gamel is a nine-season MLB veteran who has struggled to maintain a stable position, yet he has logged over 700 games since debuting with the Yankees in 2016.
Throughout his career, Gamel has been an average or slightly below-average hitter, predominantly filling roles in the outfield corners but also appearing occasionally at center and first base. With a career slash line of .252/.334/.382, his wRC+ of 96 suggests he can serve as a viable option for teams in need of depth in the outfield.
Impact on Astros’ Lineup
Gamel’s departure could create space for top prospect and non-roster invitee Cam Smith, who was a first-round pick by the Cubs in 2024 and joined the Astros as part of the Kyle Tucker deal. Smith’s inclusion on the roster would likely shift Chas McCormick into a bench role after a rough 2024 season. If McCormick takes the job instead, that would leave Cooper Hummel as a potential candidate for the final outfield position.
Jalen Beeks and Other Roster Changes
Jalen Beeks, a left-handed pitcher at 31, has struggled recently, posting a 5.05 ERA across his last two seasons with the Rays, Rockies, and Pirates. Despite this, he recorded a 2.25 ERA during his brief appearances with Houston in Spring Training and will also be returning to free agency. Meanwhile, both Steven Okert and Rafael Montero, non-roster veterans in camp, currently appear poised for the Opening Day roster.
Remaining Players and Role Outlook
Joining Beeks and Gamel in being left out of the team is veteran right-hander Miguel Castro, who will remain within the organization for now, as will Luis Guillorme, who had a difficult 2024 season. Opportunities within the bench electronics could go to players like Brendan Rodgers, who joined the Astros after being non-tendered by the Rockies.
Conclusion
Though the Astros will start the season with some key injuries, including to Whitley and Ort, they still hope to find roles for these players when they regain health, making for an interesting dynamic as the team prepares for the 2025 season.
