Astros rumors: Houston linked to 2 recently DFA’d hitters

The Houston Astros are actively discussing the possibility of adding a right-handed outfielder, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, with recently released hitters Rob Refsnyder and Austin Hays among the players drawing interest.

Houston’s need for another right-handed outfield option became evident at the trade deadline. The Astros acquired left-handed hitter Daulton Varsho but did not add a second starting outfielder to pair with him and Cam Smith. Against left-handed pitching, Houston has received 238 plate appearances from right-handed outfielders, who have produced only a .192 batting average and .633 OPS.

Refsnyder is an obvious fit because of his career production against left-handers. The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Seattle Mariners this offseason specifically for a platoon role. However, he struggled mightily, hitting .140/.211/.254 with four home runs in 129 plate appearances. He also missed most of July because of right knee inflammation.

Those numbers are a major decline from his work against lefties with the Boston Red Sox from 2022-25, when he hit .312/.407/.516 in that situation. Last season, Refsnyder recorded a .959 OPS in 138 plate appearances against southpaws.

Hays has also experienced a difficult 2026 season, although injuries played a huge role. He appeared in only 12 games for the Chicago White Sox and went 10-for-44 (.233) with one home run. A right hamstring strain cost him several weeks in April, while a significant left calf strain kept him out of action again in early May.

Despite the limited 2026 production, Hays owns a .282/.340/.477 career line against left-handed pitching and an .816 career OPS in that matchup. He has also demonstrated the ability to play every day, although this is his third straight season with missed time.

The Astros’ right-handed outfield depth has become especially important under manager Joe Espada, who has stressed platoon advantages. Houston has already logged 100 pinch-hit plate appearances this season, while their relievers have thrown more than one inning in 310 appearances.

Jake Meyers currently occupies the right-handed outfield role after replacing Zach Dezenzo on the roster. Meyers started in center field against the San Diego Padres left-hander Robbie Ray, allowing Varsho to play left. Meyers entered that game hitting .206/.264/.316 in 52 major-league games and had a .211/.283/.311 line over 24 Triple-A games before his return.

The Astros could add a recently released player without taking on much additional financial burden because such a player would receive the prorated $780,000 league minimum, with the former team responsible for the remainder of the original salary.

Stuart Fairchild is also available after electing free agency, while Jorge Soler was released by the Los Angeles Angels. However, Soler is a less natural fit because he has played only 67 defensive innings this season.

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