Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros have plenty of decisions to make this offseason

By Cody Poage

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 18: Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Houston Astros, left, shakes hands with Jeff Luhnow after announcing that Luhnow, who has been named President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, received a contract extension that carries through the 2023 season during a press conference at at Minute Maid Park on June 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 18: Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Houston Astros, left, shakes hands with Jeff Luhnow after announcing that Luhnow, who has been named President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, received a contract extension that carries through the 2023 season during a press conference at at Minute Maid Park on June 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 03: Chris Devenski #47 of the Houston Astros leaves the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 3, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

How to handle the bevy of arms in the bullpen

Out of all the relievers with the club, only Tony Sipp is a free agent. Will Harris does have a club option for $5.5 million, which isn’t a guarantee to be exercised with this front office. A left-handed reliever figures to be high on the wish list. If Houston is interested in a bounce-back candidate, Zach Britton or Andrew Miller are intriguing names. Justin Wilson is another southpaw to consider for the ‘pen. Bringing back Sipp also remains an option. Left-handers Cionel Perez and Framber Valdez are two internal candidates with potential.

In terms of right-handed relievers, I believe that the Astros are actually fine in this area. The primary question is who’ll be on the roster next season. Spring training will help determine the bullpen construction, but don’t forget that numerous arms fell out of favor towards the postseason. The futures of McHugh and Peacock will also play a role in bullpen decisions. I am also curious to see if Chris Devenski, Hector Rondon, and Joe Smith can return to form in 2019.

Looking ahead to the Astros’ 2019 starting rotation. dark. Next

For a contending team, there are still a lot of decisions to make. Unlike last offseason when the Astros basically ran it back, this year may have its fair share of changes. If done correctly, Houston could be looking at another strong run into the postseason next year. The window remains open for now, but the decisions starting this winter will help determine when it closes.

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