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. Nonetheless, in addition they parted methods with one of many premier left-handed hitters within the sport once they traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in alternate for Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith. Which means the ’Stros have a really righty-heavy offense; Yordan Alvarez is their solely harmful lefty bat. It additionally means Houston has a evident gap within the outfield. Supervisor Joe Espada would favor to cut back Alvarez’s enjoying time within the area subsequent yr (per Chandler Rome of The Athletic). That would depart Jake Meyers, Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubón, and Taylor Trammell to play the outfield. It’s not hyperbole to say that might be one of many worst offensive outfields amongst contending groups.
With all that in thoughts, normal supervisor Dana Brown instructed 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 received’t be one of many high remaining free agent bats, just like the switch-hitting Anthony Santander or Jurickson Profar. Brown has downplayed the suggestion that he’s working below any strict payroll constraints. Nonetheless, Chandler Rome just lately stated on the Foul Territory podcast, “From what I’m listening to, I don’t count on any extra vital big-dollar additions.” That’s a speculative remark, but it surely’s knowledgeable hypothesis. To that time, Rome suggests the Astros would favor to get again below the posh 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 posh tax.
Inexpensive outfield choices for the Astros might embrace 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 herald an out of doors reinforcement, Rome names Zach Dezenzo and Jacob Melton as two prospects to control. But, neither is essentially a powerful resolution. 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 towards right-handed pitching, his platoon splits towards southpaws are so poor that he’ll should take a giant step ahead earlier than he turns into an on a regular basis choice for the Astros.
Turning to the pitching employees, Brown instructed he’s completely satisfied along with his membership’s rotation depth (per Kawahara). Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Luis Garcia, and Spencer Arrighetti will more than likely make up the Opening Day rotation, whereas current acquisition Wesneski provides insurance coverage at Triple-A. Nonetheless, the bullpen is an space the place Brown might look to make an addition. The Astros arm barn was stable however unspectacular in 2024, they usually have but to make any strikes to deal with the losses of Caleb Ferguson, Héctor Neris, and Seth Martinez. On high 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 need to commerce him – he’s nonetheless making high 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, equivalent 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 may choose to wager on a less expensive choice 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.
