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Astros: Examining the current baseball landscape this offseason

By Cody Poage

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 30: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals runs out a ninth inning double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 30: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals runs out a ninth inning double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

NL East

Atlanta Braves

Thanks to strong seasons from young stars like Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, and Mike Foltynewicz, the Braves found themselves as a surprise contender in the NL East. It also helped that a lackluster season from the Nationals occurred as Atlanta was able to come away with their first division title since 2013. Definitely in the market for an upgrade in the starting rotation and catcher. Keuchel and Corbin are the two big names to watch, but they could also come away with a lesser name. Foundation is there for another potential run in 2019.

Philadelphia Phillies

Thanks to shedding plenty of financial commitment in recent years, the Phillies have plenty of money to spend. They could sign Harper and Machado right now and have money left over to spend in 2019. The pitching staff was quite reliable last season, but the offense needs some work. Again, Harper and Machado would solve part of their issues in the lineup. The pitching staff led by Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta is a solid start.

Washington Nationals

Even if Harper leaves Washington D.C., there are still loads of talent on the roster. And he may as he reportedly rejected a $300 million contract from the Nationals. If so, Max Scherzer along with Stephen Strasburg remains an excellent one-two punch in the rotation. Juan Soto and Victor Robles are two young cornerstones to build around. Adam Eaton is under contract at a team-friendly rate. If Harper is no longer around, the Nationals could be active in the free agent market. Another starter wouldn’t hurt along with some relief help in that scenario.

New York Mets

A former agent now as the general manager, the Mets will only go as far as the Wilpons let them. Most of the time, they don’t go very far. When healthy, there isn’t a stronger one-two punch in a rotation than Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard. Need more production from a lineup that has seen better days, especially since Yoenis Cespedes‘ injuries have derailed him in recent years.

Miami Marlins

The rebuild continues as Miami field offers for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. Besides a possibly new logo and color scheme (huge improvement), the Marlins aren’t building for 2019. There is lots of young talent though, so this team should be fun to watch for that one reason.

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