2 buy-low candidates Astros can sign for a 1-year deal

1 of 3

The Astros could add low-cost options to their roster this spring, so here are two options to consider.

The Houston Astros don’t have many needs regarding free agency this offseason. With the lockout halting discussions with major-league free agents, there is no progress on the front of retaining Carlos Correa nor finding a bat to replace his production on the market.

Prior to the start of spring training, Major League Baseball teams add non-roster invites to enter the mix as possible 40-man roster additions by early April. Last year, the Astros signed outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and reliever Steve Cishek to minor-league deals for extra options.

Neither made the 40-man, but we could see similar moves once spring training commences. The first look is to find free agents that would be subject to minor-league contracts or one-year major-league deals that have ties to general manager James Click’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays.

With new additions to the front office from Los Angeles, this approach could likely change, but even without a collective bargaining agreement, we haven’t seen the Astros secure a former major-leaguer on a minor-league contract this winter.

If the Astros do take the approach of adding one-year deals to the 40-man roster, a corresponding move will need to be made. There are three centerfield options and a few fringe relievers that could be on the move to make room for a major-league signing.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Dickerson’s tie to Click and outfield versatility could appeal to the Astros.

The Astros enter the 2022 season with a young centerfield group and an injured Jake Meyers, but the addition of Corey Dickerson could stir the pot on options for the regular season.

Although Dickerson has never played outside of the outfield, adding a first baseman’s tool could be a forethought. The right-hander does not have any innings at the position during his nine-year career, but neither did Souza, who was granted innings at first at spring training in 2021.

Dickerson, 32, has a decent bat with a career-OPS of .815 but has slipped beneath the league average the last two seasons.

Dickerson has a better case for a major-league deal, and with his ties to Click in Tampa and experience in the outfield, the left-hander wouldn’t be a costly addition, if the Astros don’t want to spend big on outfield options this offseason.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrelton Simmons’ defense could be a stopgap option for the Astros, if Correa signs elsewhere.

The Astros plan moving forward is not set in stone, so the addition of a veteran shortstop is an option worth consideration. Andrelton Simmons is a name still on the market, while at 32-years-old, a major-league deal is still an option.

Simmons shouldn’t receive much more than a one-year deal this offseason, as his offense continues to decline. The right-hander’s 2021 OPS (.557) reached a career-low with the Minnesota Twins, but his glove is what displays more value.

The four-time Gold Glove winner won’t replace what would be lost in Correa, but he helps bridge the gap to Jeremy Pena if that’s the Astros plan in 2022. Pena only has 30 Triple-A games to his name, and if the organization wants to see more in Sugar Land, then Simmons and Aledmys Diaz can pass the torch for when Pena is ready.

Next. Will Jose Altuve be an Astro for life?. dark

The Astros are contenders for the 2022 season, and if Pena is the answer, then it would behoove the franchise to make quick strides and acclimate him at the major-league level.

Home / Astros News

The Astros could add low-cost options to their roster this spring, so here are two options to consider.

Corey Dickerson’s tie to Click and outfield versatility could appeal to the Astros.

Andrelton Simmons’ defense could be a stopgap option for the Astros, if Correa signs elsewhere.

Schedule