{"id":268258,"date":"2025-11-07T07:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T07:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/268258\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T07:00:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T07:00:08","slug":"astros-chas-mccormick-clears-waivers-elects-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/268258\/","title":{"rendered":"Astros’ Chas McCormick Clears Waivers, Elects Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Astros outfielder Chas McCormick<\/a> has cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment in favor of free agency, reports Chandler Rome of The Athletic<\/a>. McCormick and four other Astros had been placed on outright waivers<\/a> earlier this week. With more than three years of MLB service time, McCormick had the right to reject the assignment.<\/p>\n

MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz<\/a> had McCormick projected to get $3.4MM in arbitration next season. While that projected salary may have been too high to entice suitors as a waiver claim, teams can now pursue McCormick as a bounce-back candidate at a cheaper price. The 30-year-old is under team control through the 2027 season and was quite productive in the not-too-distant past.<\/p>\n

McCormick debuted in 2021 and immediately emerged as a steady producer for Houston. He popped 14 home runs in just 320 plate appearances as a rookie, while providing strong defense. McCormick took a step forward in terms of plate discipline the following season, cutting his strikeout rate by 6.5% and bumping his walk rate to an elite 11.3%. His power numbers took a step back, but the improved contact skills made up for it. The 2023 campaign was McCormick\u2019s breakout year. He fell a stolen base shy of a 20\/20 season, slashing .273\/.353\/.489 over a career-high 457 plate appearances.<\/p>\n

Injuries limited McCormick to 267 plate appearances in 2024, and he struggled mightily when healthy. McCormick\u2019s wRC+ was more than cut in half compared to 2023, falling from 132 to 65. He continued to scuffle in 2025, slashing .210\/.279\/.290 in 66 games. An oblique injury cost him a month of action. McCormick was demoted in September and finished the season at Triple-A Sugar Land.<\/p>\n

Houston will have Yordan Alvarez<\/a> and Cam Smith<\/a> holding down the corner outfield spots in 2026. Center field is a bit of a question mark, though prospect Zach Cole<\/a> held his own in his brief debut. Jake Meyers<\/a> was also having a solid season before a calf injury derailed him.<\/p>\n

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