The Houston Astros offseason that wasn’t

Hindsight is 20-20, but the Houston Astros did great this offseason. Here is what could have been.

The Houston Astros offseason have given the fans a great reason to be excited. The kind of offseason that can win championships. They beefed up their outfield with the acquisitions of Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, and Nori Aoki.

They also shored up the back of their rotation with the acquisition of Charlie Morton along with new batterymate Brian McCann.

Houston Astros offseason sets up the roster for success

With the moves that the Astros pulled this past offseason, it’s no wonder we’re being talked about in conversations with championship aspirations. As well as becoming a more well-rounded offensive team, the moves brought more leadership and hoped to our young squad.

What about the moves that weren’t?

It’s a well-known fact that the Astros were after some high-marquee players that could have benefited this team. One has to wonder, though, had they acquired these players – would they still have the pieces and money to be in championship consideration.

Let’s have a look at some of the players on our radar that could’ve shaped the Houston Astros offseason.

The Players we courted

Edwin Encarnacion was a name thrown around for a lot of clubs this offseason. He’s a name that’s associated with power and run production. What he brought to the Blue Jays last year was 42 home runs and 127 RBI’s in 160 games.

There’s no question power of Encarnacion’s ilk can make a lasting impact on a roster looking for run producers.

With the power production, Encarnacion brings the price tag. The Indians paid $55 million over three years with an option for a fourth year for this perennial slugger. That would’ve handcuffed the Astros for future moves. This would’ve almost certainly would’ve taken the Astros out of the running for the likes of Carlos Beltran.

Pitching, pitching, pitching

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Their starting rotation in obvious Achilles heel for the Houston Astros. While they did acquire a back of rotation guy in Morton, they could still use a bonafide ace to put them over the top. The pitching that the Houston Astros offseason included the likes of Chris Sale, now of the Boston Redsox, Danny Duffy, who resigned with the Royals.

With the pieces, the Astros would’ve had to give up to get Sale. It would’ve been an astronomic cost (pardon the pun) and would surely have cost them chances at Brian McCann, who was acquired via trade.

The Astros are still in the running for ace pitchers, Carlos Quintana and Sony Gray. These pitchers can be had through the Astros’ great farm system. While the season is but two weeks away, the Astros fans still have great hope – but the acquisition of a star pitcher will most certainly put them on the map as clear championship favorites.

Next: Astros Minors: Triple A Fresno looks to be loaded with MLB Talent

Let’s see what the season brings.

***Stats and salary information from Baseball-Reference***