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Houston Astros: Ranking Their Top 5 Free Agent Options
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
The Fourth top Astros Free-Agent Target
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) grounds out in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
4. Alex Gordon
I doubt any Astros fan is over the postseason collapse against the Royals. But, what better way to avenge than sign on of their franchise cornerstones. There is no guarantee he is a free agent yet. The Royals have a club option on him worth $12.5 million. But, there’s a good chance the Royals decline because of the other free agent’s they have this season and next season. The Royals have never been an organization to spend big money, but maybe their World Series victory will change that.
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If he is a free agent, he could be a good option for the Astros. Many believe Preston Tucker still needs some development. Some also feel Jake Marisnick won’t become a full-time starter until Carlos Gomez becomes a free agent next offseason. You’ll also notice by the end of this article that I am not recommending resigning Colby Rasmus.
As opposed to Rasmus, Gordon strikes out less, hits for a higher average, and essentially produces the same amount of runs. He’s also a better defender than Rasmus, who happens to be an above average defender as well. Gordon will be 32 next season and might be looking for his last major contract. If the Houston Astros are looking to spend money, Alex Gordon is a legitimate option.
Houston Astros: One way the Astros can beat the Kansas City Royals next time
Next: The third top Astros Free-Agent
The Third top Astros Free-Agent Target
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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3. 1B Chris Davis
I had to put one shoot for the stars option in this article. Chris Davis could command an estimated five-year $75 million deal. But, Davis has proved his value over the past season. Davis led the AL in homers this season with 47 bombs and finished slightly behind Josh Donaldson in RBIs with 117. He finished in the top 10 in walks with 84 and batted a respectable .262 batting average. Davis fits perfectly into the Crush City philosophy of the Astros. If you can smash home runs, take walks, and bat above .250 for the Astros – you’re golden.
The challenge of signing Chris Davis is the Astros top prospect is 1B AJ Reed. Signing Davis to such a large deal would essentially make Reed a trade chip in a potential trade for some such as Padres closer Craig Kimbrel. However, it’s likely the Astros continue to groom Reed as their first basemen of the future.
Next: The second top Astros Free-Agent
The Second top Astros Free-Agent Target
Sep 18, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau (33) breaks his bat in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Padres 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2. 1B Justin Morneau
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Justin Morneau 2006 MVP season has been forgotten by many. He will be 35 in May and is entering the final years of his career. He’s always been a high average hitter with a .282 career batting average. This season, Moreau faced injuries that limited his season to just 49 games. Through that span, he hit .310. In 2014, he hit 17 home runs, 82 RBIs, and batted .319.
In many ways, Morneau represents an alternative at first base than last season’s Chris Carter and Luis Valbuena. Morneau is a high average hitter that could provide a temporary solution at first base until top prospect AJ Reed is ready. Morneau would likely take a two-year deal and potentially like to play for a contender such as the Astros.
Next: The first top Astros Free-Agent
The first top Astros Free-Agent Target
Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 7th inning in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Surprised this guy is #1? Me too. Resigning Tony Sipp is more crucial than most fans realize. Sipp was a major contributor in the postseason and regular season. Sipp’s 1.99 ERA over 54.1 innings pitched had a major impact in the Astros during the regular season. He had a 1.03 WHIP and only gave up five home runs.
The Astros need a quality left-handed pitching in their bullpen if they are going to be successful in both the regular season and postseason. Paired with Antonio Bastardo, the Astros have two relievers they can rely on.