A 33rd-round pick by the Astros in 2013, White defied the odds by ascending rapidly through the minors to make Houston's Opening Day roster in 2016. The North Carolina native punished opposing pitchers at every level of the minors, compiling a .311/.422/.489 slash line in 1249 plate appearances on his way to the big leagues.

White didn't get the start on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium but came in as a pinch-hitter and ripped a single to centerfield off Chasen Shreve in his first big league at-bat. Things appeared to take a turn for the worse when Tyler was struck on the right hand by a Johnny Barbato fastball in his second plate appearance. Fortunately, the injury wasn't serious and White was in the starting lineup the next day. Tyler took advantage of the opportunity, getting two hits in four at-bats and earning another start. White smacked three hits, including a homer, the following day. By the time the week was over, White had made history, going 10 for 18 with three homers and nine RBIs en route to becoming the first American League position player to win Player of the Week honors in his first week in the majors.

White was stuck behind solid players during his time in Houston, having to settle for occasional starts and designated hitter duties. He batted .241 with 26 homers and 101 RBIs (.739 OPS) in 244 games as an Astro before a deadline deal sent him to the Dodgers for the final months of the 2019 season.