Debby Wong – USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Barnes finds himself the elder on a very young Houston Astros squad that keeps getting younger. The Astros’ average age is 25.7 years old, a full year younger than the second youngest team. Barnes sits at 27 years of age.
But the impact that Barnes has had on the team is undeniable. Although he’s only been hovering around a .250 batting average all year, it’s his eye-popping plays that positively affect the team more so than the stats he puts up.
Barnes has had numerous web-gem catches patrolling the enormous center field at Minute Maid Park; any time a ball is hit out there, it’s a guarantee that he’ll make the play. Adding to his fielding prowess, Barnes completed the rare feat of hitting for the cycle earlier in the season, stretching a double out of his last at-bat by pure hustle.
This guy comes to play, and he’s going to put in 110% effort on a daily basis — that much is for sure.
He’s definitely going to continue to improve, but is he too old to last on the Astros roster?
At 27, it may seem a silly question, as he is not old by any means; however, the Astros are continuously getting younger, with most of their future starters sitting between 20 and 25 years of age.
The answer is no, he’s not too old for the Astros’ roster. Barnes has a fantastic work ethic that will set him up as a great role model as young players start filtering up into MLB. His flashiness is an added effect, as players and fans alike get inspired by great solo efforts like diving catches and hitting for the cycle.
Hopefully the Astros will see his value as well and keep the exciting center fielder around.
