Should the Astros target Adam Jones in free agency?

 Now that Adam Jones is a free agent, is it time for the Astros to take a chance on the five-time All-Star?

The Astros have a crowded outfield but if they decide to move on from Josh Reddick or Jake Marisnick, Adam Jones would be a great fit to replace him. At the trade deadline last year Jones showed no interest in being traded but now he has the opportunity to take his talents wherever. Then again the Astros still have Kyle Tucker who hasn’t had the opportunity to see everyday playing time, so they could look to upgrade from within and focus their offseason on pitching. Either way, Jones would make this team better as he is a veteran outfielder and could finally have the chance to try a win a World Series.

What the Astros get by signing Jones

On top of being an All-Star, Jones is also a four-time Gold Glove winner and a Silver Slugger back in 2013. He had a productive season in 2018 as he batted .281/.313/.419 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs. Jones is a great two-way player that can hit for power and average. Defensively, Jones can play all three outfield spots. If he stays in the American League, he can also DH as well. Historically speaking, Jones was considered an above-average fielder and has the ability to throw runners out at all three outfield positions. For his career, Jones has been considered an above-average outfielder defensively as evidenced by his multiple Gold Glove awards. However, the defensive metrics have shown a steady downward trend in recent years. Maybe the short left field at Minute Maid could help Jones defensively?

If Houston pulls the trigger on Jones, they are going to have to trade away either Marisnick or Reddick. Reddick is under contract until 2021 and Marisnick is eligible for arbitration at the end of next year. It is more likely the Astros trade away Marisnick considering he is the younger player out of the two, he is a defensive specialist but has struggled to find consistency at the plate. There have been rumors that teams where interested in trading for him last year but the talks fell through. It was noted by national baseball writer Jerry Crasnick during the past summer that Marisnick could draw trade interest from a team like the outfield needy Indians. If the Astros are able to trade him away then their outfield would consist of George Springer, Reddick, and Jones.

Overview

Houston might be more focused on the bullpen rather than upgrading their already stacked lineup. However, if the Astros do decide on acquiring another bat then Jones would be a perfect fit for the AL West champs. If the Astros get Jones then Tucker will have to wait for his chance to get everyday playing time.