The Houston Astros’ 2018 Offseason Outlook

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 03: Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow waves to the crowd during the Houston Astros Victory Parade on November 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 to win the 2017 World Series. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 03: Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow waves to the crowd during the Houston Astros Victory Parade on November 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 to win the 2017 World Series. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

Free agents?

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Wade Davis
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Wade Davis /

Plenty of free agent names fit the profile as well. Wade Davis and/or Greg Holland would appear to be high on the team’s wishlist given the bullpen struggles throughout the Postseason. As evidenced by David Robertson, the Astros’ front office has no qualms spending big money on top free agent relievers if the repertoire, age, and contract are just right.

Mike Minor, Tony Watson, and Jake McGee could provide some much-needed left-handed relief. Maybe the Astros surprise everyone and lure Austin resident/TCU grad, Jake Arrieta. Brent Strom and the pitching staff were able to fine tune Verlander back into one of the league’s best pitchers. Imagine what they could do with Arrieta.

Logan Morrison’s sneaky good 2017 season could be worth targeting as well. Morrison has not played in the outfield since 2015, but he can DH and play first base. He will find a team willing to give him the years and starting spot he requests. Carlos Gonzalez had a down year in 2017 but could be a sound left-handed hitting option off the bench. He’ll most likely command a starting role on one of some suitors as well, but perhaps his fellow countryman Altuve could convince him to come to Houston.