Chas McCormick, a once unknown prospect who was drafted in the 21st round of the 2017 draft, might have had the best and most important catch in Astros history. As a refresher, Chas made a game saving catch in Game 5 of the World Series to help secure the 3-2 win.
“Feels good, especially in my own town. That’s what we prep for every single year, to make catches like that. We emphasize defense every year,” Chas McCormick on his game saving catch. “At any time, any moment you can really make things happen. I remember I had a bad game at the plate but as you learn and grow in the big leagues, you have to learn how to forget about it and play defense and that’s what happened,” McCormick said.
McCormick also had 2 homers during the post-season run and was pivotal to the Astros success. Despite the quick turnaround this off-season (it happens when you win the World Series), Chas has put together a really strong spring.
“I feel good. I walked a lot so I was happy to get on base a lot. Need to drive the ball a little bit more but when timing comes along and I get my swing right, I am going to be a pretty good hitter,” Chas said about his hot start this spring. He also had four doubles and a homer in 34 at-bats.
McCormick had an under the radar strong season overall in 2022. The right-handed hitter had a .738 OPS with 14 HR and a 110 OPS+ in 119 games. With a little more improvement and consistent playing time, Chas could establish himself as the full-time center fielder… and given what he did last year, in the playoffs and so far this spring, he has earned the chance for the spot to be his.
