Astros’ Chas McCormick clears waivers and heads to free agency

Astros outfielder Chas McCormick has approved waivers and rejected an outright assignment in favor of freedom of choice, reports Chandler Rome of The Athletic. McCormick and four other Astros had been granted outright waivers earlier in the week. With more than three years of MLB service, McCormick had the right to turn down the assignment.

MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz predicted McCormick would get $3.4 million in arbitration next season. While that projected salary may have been too high to entice suitors to waive, teams can now pursue McCormick at a lower price as a rebound candidate. The 30-year-old is under team control through the 2027 season and has been quite productive in the not-too-distant past.

McCormick made his debut in 2021 and immediately emerged as a permanent producer for Houston. He hit 14 home runs in just 320 at-bats as a rookie while providing strong defense. McCormick took a step forward in plate discipline the following season, lowering his strikeout rate by 6.5% and increasing 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’s breakout year. He dropped a stolen base for a 20/20 season and slashed .273/.353/.489 over a career-high 457 plate appearances.

Injuries limited McCormick to 267 plate appearances in 2024, and he struggled mightily when healthy. McCormick’s wRC+ was more than halved from 2023, dropping from 132 to 65. He continued to struggle 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 with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Houston will have Jordan Alvarez And Cam Smith holding the corner positions in the outfield in 2026. Center field is a bit of a question mark, but prospect Zach Cole held its own in its short debut. Jake Meyers also had a solid season before a calf injury derailed him.