Houston Astros Should Keep an Eye on Soon-to-Be Free Agent
The Houston Astros are favorites to win the World Series again this season. At least as far as American League contenders go.
But with Dana Brown at the helm as general manager, owner Jim Crane has made the commitment to continue building for the future.
While another World Series is in sight for 2023, you better believe the same goal applies for the 2024 MLB season.
As such, it's never too early to look at who the Astros should look to acquire in free agency this winter.
The glaring weakness is at first base which has been a mix-match of a struggling Jose Abreu and some others who have little experience at the position such as Mauricio Dubon who has taken reps there.
As such, one name they need to keep an eye on is current Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins.
Hoskins is currently on the injured list recovering from a torn ACL suffered in MLB Spring Training, but he could be back in action if the Phillies make it back to the World Series.
He will undoubtedly be back for the 2024 season.
Hoskins is an absolute slugger with a career average of 25 home runs and 68 RBI. He plays average defense at first, he can flash a Gold Glove at times but has a tendency to make a mistake.
It's just what you get when you get his bat, which is a plus-tool.
Hoskins is 30 years old, would be able to be had on a fair deal, he will get paid but teams may not be willing to take a long-term deal on him considering his knee.
In essence, he is the perfect fit for Houston. A power bat on a fair deal that will take care of the first base issue for the next few years.
He's by no means a band-aid but the commitment to him wouldn't have to extend beyond three or four years.
It's a perfect match and the Astros would be wise to at least kick the tires this winter.
