3 budget free agents Astros should pursue

Jake Diekman is a high-leverage lefty arm the Astros could take on a one-year deal.

At 34-years-old, Diekman was bought out by the Oakland A’s following the 2021 season. The left-hander went unsigned prior to the lockout, but a cheap major-league deal is likely in his future with his age and position.

The reliever struggled with hard-hit balls last season, but he was in the 96th percentile of Whiff% and in the 92nd percentile of K%. Diekman is on a different level compared to Boyd and Hunter, as his game relies mostly on punch outs.

This is a type of pitcher you can never have too many of, as Diekman’s addition would be another high-leverage option on a cheap deal to round out the backend of the bullpen. The now 35-year-old made $4 million last season, and something similar or less could be on the table after the lockout.