After years of uncertainty in center field, the Houston Astros may have finally found their answer in Jake Meyers, who is enjoying a breakout 2025 campaign. Long known for his defensive skills but limited offensive production, Meyers has emerged as a true two-way contributor—just when the Astros needed him most.
Meyers made his MLB debut in July 2021 following the departure of All-Star George Springer in free agency and the midseason trade of Myles Straw to Cleveland. In his rookie year, he posted a respectable .260/.438/.323 slash line over 49 games. However, a shoulder injury suffered during the ALDS sidelined him for most of the 2022 season, and he struggled to recapture his early form—until now.
Through early July 2025, Meyers is slashing an impressive .308/.369/.405 with 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, and a career high 14 stolen bases in 316 plate appearances. He’s established himself as Houston’s everyday center fielder and a critical piece in both the lineup and the clubhouse, while being on pace for a career-best season. Fox Sports has recognized Meyers as the most improved hitter in baseball.
According to FOX Sports Jake Meyers is the most improved hitter in Major League Baseball.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) July 6, 2025
Where has this new level of offensive play come from? Meyers spent the offseason working on his batting stance. Meyers added a leg kick, on top of some mechanical changes to his stance, with the assistance of hitting coach Troy Snitker and his father, Paul Meyers (played five major league baseball seasons with the San Fransico Giants.) Meyers broke his play back down to the basics and naturalized his swing again.
In an article with Brian Murphy, Meyers said “It’s just more natural. That's kind of how I hit growing up. And I think it's more comfortable for me, and it's one less thing to think about and try to analyze and just let me go out there and compete. I felt like, obviously, the pitchers in this league are very, very good and will extend outside the zone and get you to chase, but I felt like a lot of the chasing was more in my control, whether it was maybe not committed to what I really wanted to do or just getting sped up. If I was really disciplined to what I'm looking for, or what I'm trying to do, good things will happen.”
Last season, Meyers was an American League Gold Glove finalist for the Astros. This year, defensively, Meyers ranks third among all MLB center fielders in Outs Above Average, offering the kind of athleticism and consistency the Astros have lacked since Springer’s exit. His glove remains elite, but it’s his offensive growth that has truly reshaped his value.
Meyers achieved a historical moment on May 3rd against the White Sox, when he recorded two home runs, a triple, and a double in a single game—totaling 13 total bases and seven RBIs, tying a franchise record.
Long labeled as a glove-first player, Meyers is rewriting the narrative with consistent contact, improved plate discipline, and speedy baserunning. As Houston navigates roster injuries and transitions, his consistency and leadership in the outfield have become increasingly vital. The Astros were always hesitant to give up on Meyers or to trade him, and the hesitancy has paid off for the organization.
Astros GM Dana Brown and Manager Joe Espada have praised Meyers’s development, particularly his leadership among an evolving outfield group that includes AL Rookie of the Year candidate Cam Smith, who shifted to right field after being a third baseman, and longtime second baseman Jose Altuve, now learning left field to add lineup flexibility. Meyers has stepped in and helped this group learn new positions and has helped anchor the defense for the Astros.
On Sunday, July 6th, fans began to get scared. Meyers exited the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers with ‘right calf soreness’, the Astros announced.
Jake Meyers’ right calf tightened up during the game and the Astros took him out to be “cautious,” Joe Espada said.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 6, 2025
Meyers was on the bench for the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians, but Joe Espada said Meyers is feeling better but is taking today as a rest day and ‘will stay away from him’ on Monday and Tuesday night.
Some injury updates:
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 7, 2025
- Garcia threw 2 innings today in rehab start in FCL, striking out 4 and allowing 1 hit/ run.
- McCormick will join Triple-A in OKC tomorrow.
- Meyers feels better, but Espada wants to stay away from him today.
- Javier threw 2 innings of live BP
Assuming Meyers injury doesn’t require a long IL stint, if Meyers maintains this level, he could quietly become Houston’s most valuable everyday outfielder—cementing his place in the lineup.