Sports

Astros Sign Cavan Biggio Hoping For Family Legacy Revival

Houston welcomes Craig Biggio’s son on a minor-league deal as roster competition intensifies and left-handed depth becomes a key focus for Spring Training.

6 min read

Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida, just got a little more interesting for Houston Astros fans. On February 15, 2026, the club announced the signing of utilityman Cavan Biggio to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. For those who know their Astros history, the name Biggio is more than familiar—Cavan is the son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, the legendary second baseman who spent all 20 of his big-league seasons in Houston and remains the franchise leader in multiple categories.

Cavan Biggio, who turns 31 in April, is set to report to the Astros’ camp immediately, hoping to carve out a role on a team with a crowded infield but a clear desire for more left-handed bats. The move marks a homecoming for the Houston-born Biggio, who attended St. Thomas High School before starring at Notre Dame and being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2016 draft.

Since debuting in the majors with Toronto in 2019, Biggio has played for five MLB franchises—Toronto, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and now, potentially, the Astros. Over seven big-league seasons, he’s logged 561 Major League appearances, mostly at second base but also at third, first, and all three outfield spots. He’s even made a start at shortstop, showing a level of versatility that’s rare in today’s game. As the Astros said in their announcement, "Biggio has been a versatile performer throughout his Major League career, having appeared at every position except pitcher and catcher."

Biggio’s career numbers reflect both promise and struggle. He owns a .223/.339/.373 career slash line with 52 home runs, 80 doubles, 190 RBIs, and 262 walks, good for a .712 OPS and a 100 wRC+. His best years came in 2019 and 2020 with the Blue Jays, when he slashed .240/.368/.430 and was seen as a core piece alongside teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. In those two seasons, Biggio racked up 24 home runs and 5.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) across 159 games, flashing both power and on-base skills.

However, the last few seasons have been challenging. After being released by Toronto in June 2024, Biggio bounced between the Dodgers and Braves before landing with the Royals last year. In 37 games with Kansas City in 2025, he managed just 12 hits in 69 at-bats for a .174 batting average, with a .174/.296/.246 slash line and a single home run in 83 plate appearances. He finished the 2025 campaign in the Angels’ minor league system, hitting .242/.375/.303 in the Pacific Coast League. Despite those struggles, Biggio’s career 13.5% walk rate remains impressive, never dipping below 10% in any season—a testament to his disciplined approach at the plate.

Astros manager Joe Espada sounded optimistic about the addition, emphasizing Biggio’s left-handed bat and flexibility. "Lefty bat, can play multiple positions, professional approach from the left side," Espada said. "Looking forward to having him here and giving an opportunity to make the club." With the Astros trading Jesus Sanchez to the Blue Jays earlier this offseason, the need for left-handed hitting has become more pronounced. Biggio’s arrival, then, is as much about roster construction as it is about nostalgia.

Still, the path to Houston’s Opening Day roster is anything but clear. The Astros’ infield is stacked, with Carlos Correa, Jeremy Pena, Jose Altuve, and Christian Walker all expected to see regular playing time. Isaac Paredes, another everyday-caliber infielder, is also in the mix—though ongoing trade rumors could shake up the bench picture. If Paredes or Walker is moved before Opening Day, Biggio’s odds of making the roster could improve. Otherwise, his best shot may be as a part-time corner outfielder, competing with Joey Loperfido and Zach Cole for a bench spot. Brice Matthews and Shay Whitcomb are also vying for infield opportunities.

Biggio’s defensive versatility is his calling card. Over his career, he’s started 219 games at second base, 82 at third, 61 at first, and 104 across the outfield. He’s even made a start at shortstop, though he’s never pitched or caught. That flexibility could prove invaluable for an Astros team that, like most contenders, knows the value of depth and adaptability over the course of a long season.

For Biggio, the Houston connection is about more than just baseball. He grew up in the Astros’ dugout, serving as a bat boy alongside his brother Conor when their father reached the 3,000-hit milestone in 2007. Craig Biggio, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, is now a special advisor with the Astros and remains a beloved figure in the city. While Craig is not officially on the coaching staff, he often appears at Spring Training and during the regular season, offering guidance to players—including, now, his son. As the Astros look to write another chapter in their storied history, the Biggio family legacy looms large.

If Cavan Biggio does make the big-league roster, he would join a very exclusive club. The only other father-son duo to suit up for the Astros was Jose Cruz Sr. and Jose Cruz Jr., with the latter making a brief appearance in 2008. Astros fans, then, have reason to root for a little history-in-the-making this spring.

Biggio’s offensive production has dipped since his early days in Toronto, and his strikeout rate has climbed—29% since leaving the Blue Jays. Yet, his on-base skills, professional approach, and ability to play virtually anywhere on the diamond keep him in the conversation for a bench role. The Astros’ need for left-handed bats and positional flexibility could play to his advantage, especially if injuries or trades reshape the roster before Opening Day.

For now, Biggio is expected to compete as a non-roster invitee, needing a strong showing in Cactus League play and perhaps a little luck with the health of other infielders to secure a spot. He cannot be optioned to the minors, so if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, he may start the year with Triple-A Sugar Land, awaiting a call-up should the need arise.

As the Astros prepare for their first Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals on February 21, all eyes will be on Cavan Biggio. Can he recapture the spark that made him a rising star in Toronto? Will he follow in his father’s footsteps and don the Astros uniform at Daikin Park this summer? Only time—and a few key spring performances—will tell. For now, Houston fans can savor the reunion of a famous baseball name with the city that made it legendary.

The Biggio story in Houston isn’t finished yet. With Spring Training underway and roster spots up for grabs, Cavan Biggio’s journey is just beginning—and Astros fans will be watching every step of the way.

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