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Ranking the Houston Astros Top 5 Free Agent Options
Sep 13, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo (59) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
As the Houston Astros prepare to enter the offseason, they have multiple holes to fill to build upon their 2015 postseason run. The Astros have three key free agents in outfielder Colby Rasmus, starting pitcher Scott Kazmir, and a left-handed reliever, Tony Sipp. This article ranks their top five free agent options and will only include one of the previous Astro free agents. Before looking at their options, take a look at their primary needs:
- Left Hand Relief Pitcher
- Right Hand Relief Pitcher
- First Basemen
The Fifth top Astros Free-Agent Target
5. RP Antonio Bastardo (LHP)
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Regardless of whether the Houston Astros bring back Tony Sipp, it looks like LHP Oliver Perez will not be returning to the Astros next season. The Astros need at least two left-handers in their bullpen. Antonio Bastardo provides the Astros with an experienced reliever. Bastardo pitched 57.1 innings this season, going 4-1, with a 2.98 era (19 runs total). Bastardo throws a four-seam fastball, a 12-6 slider, and a change-up. He can be a high strikeout pitcher with 64 strikeouts this season and 81 in 2014 over 64 innings.
Potentially paired with Tony Sipp, Bastardo would provide the Astros with two quality left-handers in the bullpen. At 30 years old, Bastardo would likely command a three-year deal similar to Pat Neshek‘s deal last offseason.
Next: The fourth top Astros Free-Agent