Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: 16 positives from the year of 2016

By Eric Huysman

Sep 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. 2017 offseason acquisitions by Michael Knight.

Sep 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran (36) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran (36) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the best things the Astros did in 2016 happened after the season with the free agent signings and trades. The most notable acquisitions were players Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Brian McCann, and Charlie Morton. Beltran adds veteran leadership that the Astros needed along with a nice switch-hitting power bat.

Reddick provides a strong hitting and fielding outfielder along with a humorous locker room presence on the team. McCann is a seven-time All-Star catcher who will drastically be an upgrade from Jason Castro behind the plate as well as become a more serious veteran on the squad.

A look-ahead.

Finally, Morton is a decent fourth or fifth in the rotation pitcher who can make a big difference on the team if he can stay healthy. These off-season moves help fill the holes that existed on the team and will ultimately help the Houston Astros compete for a championship in 2017. The acquisitions also create some competition on the team which can help everyone play at their highest level to get playing time.

If the newly obtained players can stay healthy and play as they have throughout their careers, the Sports Illustrated predictions of the Astros winning the championship this year is not at all far-fetched.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

1. The rise of Alex Bregman by Cody Poage.

Like Carlos Correa the year before, Alex Bregman was the Astros top prospect in 2016. And his eventual debut was highly anticipated. However, the former first overall did not have the lift off that most were expecting.

First six games: .045/.125/.045, 1 H, 2 BB, 5 SO

The question was then whether the Astros called the former LSU star too early? Of course, we saw Bregman turn things around as Houston attempted to win a Wild Card spot late in the season.

Aug-Oct.: 8 HR, 34 RBI, 13 2B in 43 games

All in all, Bregman’s first taste of the Major League Baseball was encouraging. While he got off to a slow start, he eventually proved why he had so much fanfare.

Next: Other Potential H-Town Hall of Famers

As the Astros look forward to the 2017 season, we should expect Bregman to be the presumptive third baseman. And he should be a part of Houston’s plan going forward. Thanks to all the writers who assisted me with this post. Happy New Years Astros fans, 2017 will be great.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***

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