WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros have had only one father-son combination play for them in the Major Leagues. That came in 2008 when Jose Cruz Jr. -- son of Astros legend Jose Cruz -- ended his career with 38 at-bats in a Houston uniform.
The Cruz family could soon have some company after the Astros signed Cavan Biggio to a Minor League contract on Sunday. The 30-year-old son of Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio, Cavan reported to camp Sunday and was with the club for the first full-squad workout Monday on the back fields of CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
“I wouldn't say it was a big dream of mine, but the Astros, I loved that team more than anything growing up,” Cavan said. “Those teams growing up, I could name every player on those teams. This organization has always been very special for me, and it’s an absolute honor to don the uniform now.”
Craig Biggio played his entire 20-year career with the Astros (1988-2007) and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, at-bats, hits, runs, total bases, doubles and extra-base hits. When Craig reached 3,000 career hits in 2007, Cavan and his brother, Conor, were bat boys and in uniform in the dugout during that season.
“That last year was something that obviously was truly special for us,” Craig said. “It was something that playing your whole career here with one team and one organization and being able to achieve a milestone like that in front of your fans and in front of your family and having your boys in the dugout as bat boy because they were old enough to do it, it was very special.”
Cavan Biggio, who bats left-handed, has appeared in 561 Major League games in his career, mostly with the Blue Jays (2019-24). He also spent time with the Dodgers and Braves in ’24 and last year appeared in 37 games with the Royals. He’ll compete for a bench spot with Houston as a utility player who can play the corner outfield and infield spots.
“Love the bat,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “Lefty bat, can play multiple positions. Professional approach from the left side, gets on base. … I’m looking forward to having him here and giving him opportunities to make the club.”
Biggio’s defensive versatility includes appearing at every position in his career except pitcher and catcher. Biggio slashed .174/.296/.246 with one homer in 83 plate appearances last year with the Royals. For his career, he’s slashed .223/.339/.373 with 52 homers and 33 steals.
“I’m confident in what I bring to the table, I’m confident in the preparation I’ve done this offseason,” said Cavan, who’s rehabbing from elbow surgery and is a couple of weeks away from playing in games. “I’m just trying to be positive every day and have a good time and play this game that I love.”
Cavan, whose locker is between franchise icons Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, will wear No. 4, which is the number Craig wore when he broke in with the Astros in 1988. He changed to No. 7 a year later to accommodate Steve Lombardozzi, and now Biggio’s No. 7 is retired.