Astros have plenty of decisions to make this offseason

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 17: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Houston Astros Jeff Luhnow addresses the media prior to the Game Four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

In light of an earlier-than-planned departure from the postseason, the Astros still have a slew of pressing questions to answer during the offseason. These items weren’t going away, championship or not.

When the Astros first entered their latest rebuilding attempt earlier in the decade, we all knew that the climb to contention and respectability was a difficult road to traverse. The subsequent contending seasons, 2015-18, were well worth the price. The cherry on top was the 2017 championship. Banners fly forever, right?

However, the heavy lifting is not finished, especially with this particular offseason on the horizon. The next couple of winters will have a lasting effect on the Astros. Although the front office has the benefit of a World Series title, their actions in the coming months will help determine if another title is in Houston’s immediate future.

Whether we, the fans, like it or not, there are decisions to make in the offseason that could alter the franchise’s course in subsequent years. These include retaining certain players while allowing others to leave, extensions, possible trades, and the pursuit of free agents. The Astros are likely to entertain all of these possibilities in preparation of the 2019 season. Ultimately, the success of a club lies with the players on the field. At the same time, the front office influences the team’s course by their decisions. The Astros’ front office have a prime opportunity to help determine the next course.

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