The Astros have signed infielder/outfielder CJ Alexander to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. The PSI Sports Management client has been assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land but could be invited to big league camp in spring training.
Alexander, 29, has a limited major league track record. He has 25 plate appearances over 10 games with four hits, all singles. He has not drawn a walk and has been struck out 11 times. He has had better showings in the minors, particularly in 2024, when he slashed .302/.361/.559 in Triple-A for a 130 wRC+. But his 2025 was a bit of a swoon, as he slashed .254/.335/.448 in the minors for a 91 wRC+.
Even if his offensive contributions are muted, Alexander can provide defensive versatility, as he has experience at all four corner spots. The Royals designated Alexander late in 2024, at which point he was claimed by the Athletics. He lasted on that roster until June of 2025, before going to the Yankees and Dodgers via subsequent waiver claims. The Dodgers passed him through waivers in July and he became a free agent at season’s end.
Alexander hits from the left side, which is something the Astros are looking for, with Yordan Alvarez the only lefty locked into an Opening Day roster spot. Alexander won’t solve that problem but there’s nothing wrong with a bit more depth.
The Houston infield is fairly crowded, with Carlos Correa at third, Christian Walker at first and Isaac Paredes backing both of them up. Unless a spring trade comes together, Alexander’s best path to playing time is the outfield corners. Houston projects to have Jake Meyers in center while Cam Smith, Joey Loperfido, Zach Cole, Zach Dezenzo and others battle for playing time in the corners. If Alexander can earn his way onto the roster at some point, he still has a minor league option remaining.
Photo courtesy of Neville E. Guard, Imagn Images
I hope he’s not our answer (I would rather have Conforto), but still a good MiLB pickup.
Conforto is still an option, right?
Definitely. Think they’re going to target a number of low cost left handed hitters to compete
Just a depth pickup. This year’s Zach Short maybe if we have another absurd injury run.
My friend got excited looking at Short’s .667 batting average. As you can probably tell, he doesn’t follow baseball.
Alexander has some talent. Also, a former Dana Brown draft pick. Way less MLB experience than Short, and they play different positions. More like, last year’s “Logan Davidson” would be a better comp. He’s lefty hitting depth with positional versatility.
Logan Davidson never played any games. What noquarter89 meant was that maybe Alexander will find his way into everyday playing time for a while after being a MiLB signing, just like Zach Short.
Pioneer of aerodynamics!!!!