Part of a series of articles previewing the defensive performance of all 30 MLB teams by asking the question … are they good? We give an overview of team strengths, weaknesses, and other things to know, using Defensive Runs Saved and other stats as the basis for our evaluation. To see the full series, click here.

2025 Team Defensive Runs Saved Rank: T-20th

Team Strengths

When healthy, Jeremy Peña is a standout defensive shortstop. He’s had as many as 16 Runs Saved in a season and totaled 7, 4, and 5 the last three seasons. He’s not healthy at the moment, as he has a fractured finger tip.

Jake Meyers is a center fielder with good range who has had 4, 6, and 5 Runs Saved there the last three seasons. Meyers’ Runs Saved totals would be higher but he’s lost value in our Outfield Arm Runs Saved stat the last two seasons. Last season he failed to record an assist without a cutoff man.

The Astros have two good defenders who look like they’ll be starting the season on the bench. They traded Mauricio Dubon to the Braves for shortstop Nick Allen, who finished fifth at the position with 12 Runs Saved last season.

Most Defensive Runs Saved By Shortstop- Last 2 Seasons

They also have former top prospect Cam Smith, who made the transition from third base to right field pretty well. He ranked fourth among right fielders with 12 Runs Saved last season.

Team Weaknesses

Because the Astros’ DH spot is occupied by Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve has to play second base. Altuve isn’t a good fit for the position. He’s tallied at least -8 Runs Saved there in four straight seasons. They don’t really have a choice if they want to get his bat in the lineup.

If Pena is out it looks like Carlos Correa will be the starting shortstop and that could be dicey. Correa has had -3 and -11 Runs Saved there the last two seasons and didn’t do as well as most shortstops at getting outs on balls hit in the shortstop-third base hole. There was a time when Correa was one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, but that time was five years ago. Maybe he’ll prove us wrong.

Other Things To Know

What are we supposed to make of Christian Walker? Walker was a standard setter at first base with the Diamondbacks but with Houston he slipped to -7 Runs Saved playing a full season. He used to be known for getting outs on balls hit in the hole but that success largely evaporated last season. Did his defensive excellence just disappear that quickly?

Christian Walker – Defensive Runs Saved By Season

Third baseman Isaac Paredes slipped too. He had 7 Runs Saved at third base combining 2022 and 2023, but he’s totaled -6 there the last two seasons.

Recent trade acquisition Joey Loperfido may be useful in left field, where he has 6 Runs Saved in 86 career games. He’s one who is going to make some highlight-reel catches.

Are the Astros A Good Defensive Team?

This is a weird situation because they have two very good defensive players likely on the bench and another who could be great but could also be not-so-great again (Walker). And Peña is hurt. Plus, they have to play one of the worst fielders at his position to get his bat in the lineup.

There’s a lot of variance here. I wouldn’t peg them as a Top 10 team and probably not Top 15.