Houston Astros: How the Stros can improve at third base in 2016

A look at third base options for 2016

Oct 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning in game five of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

There’s really no disputing that the 2015 Astros were one of the all-time most surprising teams. They arrived well ahead of schedule, so it feels a little strange to say that there are glaring weaknesses they need to improve upon.

Nevertheless, the ALDS series against the Royals showed the Astros have glaring weaknesses they need to improve upon.

One of the places that stands out most is third base. According to Baseball-reference.com, Astros third basemen posted a slash line of .223/.298/.412/.710.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

By position, that’s the third-worst on the team across the board. I know. How fitting for third base. The bottom line is, there’s nothing particularly good that came from third base.

How do they strengthen this position that’s supposed to be a power bat position so that they match up more evenly with the Kansas City Royals’ of the world as they move forward? We’ll take a look at the best options available to them on the roster, by trade and by free agency.

Next: On roster third base options