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4 pending free agents the Astros need to target this offseason
It is never too early to start thinking about which free agents the Astros need to be targeting during the offseason.
There is still a lot of baseball left to be played during the 2023 season, but the Houston Astros clearly have some well-defined needs heading into the offseason. Adding Justin Verlander at the trade deadline certainly helped out the rotation going into 2024, but the Astros could still use another bat for the outfield who ideally would be left-handed, another starter wouldn't be the worst idea for some depth, and there is always going to be a need for bullpen arms.
The 2024 season is going to be a pivotal one for Houston as their window of contention could be closing soon. Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve are both set to become free agents after next season and there is still no extension in place for Kyle Tucker or Framber Valdez who are set to hit the market the year after that. How the Astros handle things this offseason will set the tone for the next few years for better or worse.
Here are 4 pending free agents the Astros need to target this offseason
This list of free agent targets will be operating under the assumption that Houston won't be transitioning into rebuild/retool mode after the 2024 season. The Astros are never going to be huge spenders under Jim Crane, but he has consistently shown he is willing to be a top 10 payroll and to try and contend in recent years. A certain amount of accounting needs to happen for the significant raises that both Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez are going to get in arbitration next season, though.
Also, this list is going to be in flux all the way until this offseason. Extension talks and injuries could create new payroll wrinkles and needs as time goes on. It is also noteworthy that the entire list of free agents isn't really known yet as players with contract options/opt-outs/qualifying offers could add or subtract from the player pool. As a result, the focus for now will be on guys where there is a high confidence level that they will be available.
Let's take a look at four pending free agents that the Astros need to target this coming offseason.
Victor Caratini should be the Astros' backup catcher next season
Much has been made of Martin Maldonado's severe drop-off in 2023. Maldonado has never done much with his bat, but his defensive excellence was enough to carry him over the years. However, this season he has been genuinely terrible on both sides of the ball. Clearly the Astros have a lot of affection for Maldonado for what he has meant to the organization, but with Yainer Diaz being the clearly superior player and Maldonado set to hit free agency, Houston needs to pull the bandaid off after this season.
However, that doesn't mean that the Astros shouldn't consider adding a capable veteran catcher to help guide Diaz and the pitching staff. One such option would be Victor Caratini. Sure, Caratini isn't an offensive stud, either, but he is highly regarded for his game-calling and receiving and he also has significantly less miles on him than Maldonado. He also shouldn't break the bank which does matter especially when it comes to a back-up.
Michael Lorenzen would provide Houston with some valuable starting pitching depth
Adding starting pitching this offseason may seem like a luxury more than a need for Houston and frankly, that could be correct. The Astros have a pair of arms coming back from arm surgeries (hopefully) sometime in 2024 in Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, but exactly when that will happen is very much up in the air. The rotation should fine in the meantime, but adding some depth this offseason could be wise.
Given how much money is set to be tied up in their rotation, it is difficult to see the Astros playing in the deep end of the free agent pool this offseason. However, one arm that may be able to be had at a reasonable price is Michael Lorenzen. Yes, he just threw a no-hitter for the Phillies, but the more realistic projection for him is a middle-to-back of the rotation type who can put up quality, if unexciting, innings. The only potential hang-up could be price especially if he pitches well for Philadelphia down the stretch, but he seems to be one of the more reasonable options at the moment in free agency.
Cody Bellinger could give the Astros the lefty bat they need
Cody Bellinger does sort of break the rules set earlier as he has a mutual option with the Cubs for 2024 at $12 million. However, given that Bellinger has posted a .938 OPS this season for Chicago, there seems to be little chance that he will pass up on a free agency payday and exercise that option. If he hits free agency as expected, he could present Houston the opportunity they have been looking for.
Dana Brown made it very well known before the trade deadline that the Astros were looking to add a left-handed power bat, but they were unable to do so because those types of guys just weren't available. Bellinger could very well be that bat, plus it could convince other players on the roster (Tucker, Valdez, etc.) that the Astros are in this for the long haul and to stick around. Houston had also hoped that Jose Abreu would be a steady offensive presence, but he has been anything but that so far. Adding Bellinger could pick up Abreu's offensive slack and take the sting out of that deal. However, don't expect Bellinger to come cheap.
Brent Suter would shore up the Astros' 2024 bullpen
Every single team that is looking to contend next season is going to be looking for bullpen arms and Houston is no exception. Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton are set to become free agents for Houston's pen after the season which could create a couple openings. Hector Neris also has a club option for $8.5 million for the 2024 season, but it is all but a mortal lock that Houston keeps him around.
There are going to be no shortage of interesting relief options available in free agency, but Brent Suter gets the nod here. Suter has put up a 2.56 ERA with outstanding peripherals despite the fact that he plays in Colorado aka The Pitcher Graveyard. His track record of being a reliable bullpen arm won't go unnoticed across the league, but he should still be a reasonable affordable bullpen option once free agency gets here.
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