Where do the Astros go from here?

Thanks to a sudden implosion in the ALCS against the Red Sox, the Astros find themselves starting their offseason vacations earlier than expected.

Despite a 103-59 regular season record and a convincing three-game sweep of the Indians in the ALDS, the Astros couldn’t finish the job in 2018. Between missed opportunities, numerous miscues, and questionable calls, Houston couldn’t get back to the Fall Classic. In short, the Red Sox outplayed the Astros this time around, unlike last year’s ALDS. I have a feeling that we’ve haven’t seen the last of Boston in the postseason.

So, where do the Astros go from here?

The core that consists of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Alex Bregman returns next year. There may not presently be a better core in baseball, if healthy. And health was a key issue for Altuve and Correa as both missed considerable playing time due to injuries.

But the position player group does figure to look a bit different next season. Marwin Gonzalez, Evan Gattis, and Martin Maldonado will enter free agency this winter. Brian McCann has a 2019 club option for $15 million, and to my knowledge the Yankees are covering any costs for the club option if the Astros choose to exercise it. At this juncture, I don’t think that’ll be the case. I’m sure the Astros are interested in bringing back Gonzalez, but the open market could dictate otherwise. With the emergence of Tyler White and a slew of talent in the minors, I’d doubt that we see Gattis back as an Astro next season. Despite a rough ALCS behind the plate, Maldonado did perform well in Houston. If both sides express a willingness for a reunion, I wouldn’t be oppose to it.

Most of the pitching staff should return as well. Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole headline the starting rotation, although the upcoming free agency of Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton casts some uncertainty. We’ll also have to see if Lance McCullers will require any type of surgery in the offseason. In any event that Keuchel, Morton, and McCullers are not expected back in 2019, Houston suddenly finds itself with plenty of question marks in the rotation. Like the previous offseason, we could see general manager Jeff Luhnow pursue another starter either in free agency or via trade.

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The only surefire free agent in the bullpen is left-hander Tony Sipp. Although he had a bounce back season with a 1.86 ERA in 38 2/3 innings, it remains seen if the two sides desire a reunion. Will Harris has a club option for 2019 at $5.5 million, which is a considerable raise from his $2.8 million salary this year. The Astros have plenty of arms under contract or team control next year, so I am not sure what to expect on this front. I’d expect some adjustments, but not an overhaul.

If someone were to ask me to list the Astros’ offseason needs from greatest to the lowest urgency, it would look something like this:

Catcher
Starting pitcher
Left-handed reliever
Outfielder

Outside of the catcher position, Houston does have plenty of minor league talent in each area. Forrest Whitley, Josh James, and Framber Valdez are just three of the options for a role on the major league roster next year. Kyle Tucker should receive every opportunity to claim the left field job heading into 2019. Derek Fisher, Myles Straw, and Yordan Alvarez have potential to make an impact in 2019. Don’t forget about AJ Reed as he should have a shot in Houston or elsewhere next year. At the same time, I could also see the front office scouring the market for improvement at those positions.

Despite a disappointing end to the 2018 season, the window is still open for the Astros. The roster will turnover to a certain extent, but the core is still there. Let’s see how the front office responds in the offseason.

Thanks to a sudden implosion in the ALCS against the Red Sox, the Astros find themselves starting their offseason vacations earlier than expected.

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