The Astros have added a pair of proficient right-handed bats to their lineup this offseason: third baseman Isaac Paredes and first baseman Christian Walker. Nevertheless, in addition they parted methods with one of many premier left-handed hitters within the sport after they traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in trade for Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith. Meaning the ’Stros have a really righty-heavy offense; Yordan Alvarez is their solely harmful lefty bat. It additionally means Houston has a obtrusive gap within the outfield. Supervisor Joe Espada would like to cut back Alvarez’s enjoying time within the area subsequent 12 months (per Chandler Rome of The Athletic). That would go away Jake Meyers, Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubón, and Taylor Trammell to play the outfield. It’s not hyperbole to say that could possibly be one of many worst offensive outfields amongst contending groups.
With all that in thoughts, common supervisor Dana Brown advised reporters (together with Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle) that he’s not completed including to the roster. For one factor, he might nonetheless go after a left-handed hitting outfielder. Presumably, it gained’t be one of many prime remaining free agent bats, just like the switch-hitting Anthony Santander or Jurickson Profar. Brown has downplayed the suggestion that he’s working beneath any strict payroll constraints. Nevertheless, Chandler Rome just lately mentioned on the Foul Territory podcast, “From what I’m listening to, I don’t count on any extra important big-dollar additions.” That’s a speculative remark, however it’s knowledgeable hypothesis. To that time, Rome suggests the Astros would like to get again beneath the luxurious tax in 2025. At present, RosterResource places them about $3MM above the primary tax threshold. They’re recognized to be seeking to offload Ryan Pressly’s $14MM wage in a commerce, however even a transfer like that wouldn’t give them sufficient flexibility to signal Santander or Profar with out having to pay the luxurious tax.
Cheaper outfield choices for the Astros might embody free brokers Jesse Winker, Alex Verdugo, or David Peralta. They may additionally think about a reunion with Jason Heyward. In the meantime, in the event that they don’t usher in an out of doors reinforcement, Rome names Zach Dezenzo and Jacob Melton as two prospects to regulate. But, neither is essentially a powerful answer. Dezenzo is right-handed and has very restricted expertise enjoying the outfield. Melton is a highly-regarded outfield prospect, however he struggled offensively at Triple-A in 2024. Whereas he bats left-handed and has had success in opposition to right-handed pitching, his platoon splits in opposition to southpaws are so poor that he’ll need to take an enormous step ahead earlier than he turns into an on a regular basis possibility for the Astros.
Turning to the pitching employees, Brown advised he’s joyful together with his membership’s rotation depth (per Kawahara). Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Luis Garcia, and Spencer Arrighetti will most probably make up the Opening Day rotation, whereas current acquisition Wesneski presents insurance coverage at Triple-A. Nevertheless, the bullpen is an space the place Brown might look to make an addition. The Astros arm barn was strong however unspectacular in 2024, they usually have but to make any strikes to handle the losses of Caleb Ferguson, Héctor Neris, and Seth Martinez. On prime of that, all of these losses would pale compared to the potential lack of Pressly. The veteran right-hander has been a key cog in Houston’s bullpen for the previous seven years. It’s comprehensible why the Astros wish to commerce him – he’s nonetheless making prime nearer cash when he’s actually extra of a set-up man – however he’ll be laborious to interchange.
The Astros might pursue a equally proficient arm who will include a barely cheaper price ticket, comparable to Chris Martin or A.J. Minter. But, that may not go away them with sufficient payroll left over so as to add an outfielder. Thus, they might want to wager on a less expensive possibility as an alternative. Maybe that’s a bounce-back candidate like Will Smith or Dylan Floro or an undervalued, high-upside arm like Danny Coulombe or Jalen Beeks.
