The Houston Astros optioned outfielder Chas McCormick to Triple-A Sugar Land following Wednesday’s game, likely to make room on the active roster for newly signed outfielder Jason Heyward. While the team has yet to officially announce the move, McCormick took the initiative to inform the media himself after receiving the news, as reported by Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The Astros still need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Heyward.
This is McCormick’s first demotion to the minors since June 2022, when he was briefly sent down but quickly recalled after Michael Brantley was injured. Besides that short stint, this is the first time McCormick has been officially optioned to the minors since his initial call-up to the majors. He has had brief minor league appearances during injury rehabs but was not optioned until now.
The 2024 season has been challenging for McCormick, in sharp contrast to his impressive performance from 2021 to 2023. After a solid rookie year in 2021 with a .257/.319/.447 slash line, Chas McCormick saw improved numbers in 2022 and had a standout 2023 season with career highs in home runs (22), doubles (17), stolen bases (19), plate appearances (457), strikeout rate (25.6%), wRC+ (134), and wins above replacement (3.3 fWAR, 3.6 bWAR).
This year, however, McCormick’s performance has declined significantly. He has posted a poor .192/.256/.292 batting line in 243 plate appearances, with a career-high 28.8% strikeout rate and a career-low 6.6% walk rate. He is also chasing pitches outside the strike zone more often (33.1%) and making contact with pitches in the strike zone less frequently (76%). Statcast data shows career-worst numbers in average exit velocity (85.2 mph), barrel rate (7.8%), and hard-hit rate (31.4%). He has also hit more infield flies (six) than ever before in a career-low number of plate appearances.
McCormick’s time in Triple-A could have implications for his contract status. With exactly three years of service entering the 2024 season, he needs 172 days in the majors to reach four years of service. Currently, he has accrued 154 days, so he requires 18 more days in the majors to stay on track for free agency in the 2026-27 offseason. If he is not recalled by September 12, his path to free agency will be delayed by a year.
For now, the focus will be on McCormick getting back to form in Triple-A, where he can gain regular at-bats. His recent pinch-hit two-run homer was only his fourth hit in 48 plate appearances since the trade deadline.
With Kyle Tucker still out, the Astros’ outfield now features Jake Meyers, Yordan Alvarez, utilityman Mauricio Dubon, journeyman Ben Gamel, and soon Jason Heyward. With Alvarez primarily serving as a designated hitter and three left-handed hitters in the outfield mix, there may still be an opportunity for McCormick’s right-handed bat if he can regain his form during his time in the minors. Despite his struggles this season, McCormick has been a strong hitter against left-handed pitchers with a career .286/.358/.508 line.