The Houston Astros in 2025 are not what the fans saw last year. It all started when Kyle Tucker was shipped to the Cubs, leaving a gaping hole in the outfield. Enter Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, and Hayden Wesneski, shaking things up. Tucker’s impact won’t be easy to replace, but Cam Smith might just be the answer. Yes, the 22-year-old rookie is creating waves and is a newfound hope for the team this year. How? Well, the team is considering putting Smith in the right field, hoping to end their outfield weakness after Tucker’s departure. So, how did Cam Smith come onto the scene?

Cam Smith has yet to play in the major league but made an impressive start in the minors. Smith is now 22, so his inclusion on the opening day roster would be a huge jump for a man who has only 19 professional at-bats above High-A ball. However, he has what it takes to make that leap, according to the Houston Astros. This includes the Astros’ assistant GM, Gavin Dickey. Smith’s spring season figure further makes the team desperate to include him in the starting roster. Why not in the outfield?

“The athlete is going to make plays,” Dickey said on the Crush City Territory podcast. Cam Smith is stepping into right field—a challenge for the third baseman, no doubt. But he’s got the talent, and the Astros know it. This spring, he’s been red-hot—going 9-for-17 with two homers and five walks. Too good to ignore! But his rise will only matter if this revamped Astros squad delivers when it counts.

The Astros’ new-age team is making its way to 2025

Last year, the Houston Astros had Alex Bregman at 3B, gone this year. They had Kyle Tucker in the outfield, gone this year. They had Jose Altuve at 2B, shifted to left field. Thus, it’s a new-age team, to say the least. How this new-age team will look like? Christian Walker, Mauricio Dubon, and Isaac Paredes will be seen at the bases. The most changed part will be the outfield, which will include Jose Altuve, Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers, and Ben Gamel, with Cam Smith being the wild card. So, can this new combination be projected for a better run this year?

When it comes to pitching, the Astros are relying heavily on players like Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Yordan Alvarez. By the end of 2024, Valdez had a 2.91 ERA and a 15-7 record. Brown walked just 35 batters in 114.2 innings last year while striking out 119. So, a few good options with the Houston Astros this season. While their bullpen was a struggle last year, players like Taylor Scott and Shawn Dubin will take the spot behind Josh Hader and Bryan Anreu. With all these names, the new-look Astros look well-decorated, but is this enough for a postseason run? Let time answer this. 

Starting with Bregman, the Astros faced a long talent-drain this offseason. With prospects like Cam Smith, lean and mean Astros might be witnessed this year, offering better athleticism. 

Do you think Cam Smith is eligible enough to be in the opening roster? Share your views with us below.