A Centerfield Option the Astros Should Explore

Wisely spending money has never been a problem for the Astros organization.

Obviously, we can’t have a discussion about a free agent without talking about the money. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Suzuki could command a five-year, $55 million deal. That’s not a huge deal on the surface for two reasons.

First reason being MLB teams are cautious on mega deals due to the recent success (or lack thereof) of batters from the Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Second, whatever MLB team signs Suzuki would also have to pay a release fee. Under the current MLB-NPB agreement, the Carp would receive a payout equal to 20 percent of the first $25 million in guaranteed contract value, plus 17.5 percent of the next $25 million, plus 15 percent of any amount beyond $50 million.

On Nov. 21, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball posted Suzuki, allowing him a 30-day window to negotiate with MLB teams. Due to the current CBA expiring on Dec. 2, the negotiating window has a freeze until a new CBA can be finalized and signed.

There are a lot of moving pieces for the Astros this offseason. However, on paper, Suzuki could be a nice upgrade to the team’s offensive lineup that’s might be lost in the departure of Correa.