All-Star Free Agent Could Be Option for Houston Astros and Broken Rotation
The Houston Astros are in a tough position following Monday evening's news that Blake Snell, the Astros' top target, was signing a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.
While Snell was willing to come down in years, he was not willing to reduce his price, a sticking point for Houston and owner Jim Crane. It is a rare loss for Crane when going after a player he covets.
Interestingly enough, Snell represents now the third of four high-profile Scott Boras clients that had to settle for a short-term deal with multiple opt outs this winter. A clear loss for the "super agent."
Now, the Astros have to pivot if they want to reinforce their rotation ahead of Opening Day. With four major injuries to the rotation to include Lance McCullers Jr., Justin Verlander, Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia, the rotation heading into the 2024 MLB season looks like this:
- Framber Valdez
- Cristian Javier
- Hunter Brown
- J.P. France
- Ronel Blanco
Houston starts the beginning of the season with a series against the New York Yankees, seven games against division rivals the Texas Rangers and then a series with the Chicago Cubs.
If the Astros don't want to fall into an early hole they made need some help.
Enter Michael Lorenzen.
The righty secured his first MLB All-Star nod last season, threw a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline and had one of the best seasons of his career.
The caveat is he didn't finish the season strong but it was only his second full season as a starter after being moved from the bullpen.
Lorenzen remains a free agent and has reportedly turned down multiple one-year offers in the $5-7 million range.
The righty could take a one-year deal approaching $10 million, especially to play for a contender like the Astros.
When any of the injured starters return, Lorenzen provides flexibility to ease them back into a full workload, as a spot starter, or as a legitimate weapon out of the bullpen.
It is a signing that allows the Astros roster security and eventual flexibility. But it also gives Lorenzen the opportunity to show that he does belong in the league as a starter.
All while on a deal that makes sense for both parties when it comes to the money aspect.
While he isn't Snell, Lorenzen could provide exactly what Houston is looking for in the interim.
