Houston Astros Should Target Former Cardinals Ace in Free Agency
The Houston Astros must make additions to their roster if they hope to regain the title of American League West champions in 2024. The Texas Rangers just won the World Series and the Seattle Mariners could improve in a big way, like signing Shohei Ohtani big way.
The area that needs most addressing on the Astros' roster is the rotation. While Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez lead the way, following them are a crop of question marks.
Jose Urquidy was hurt for a significant portion of the season and when he returned he struggled. Luis Garcia won't be back until later in the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. And Hunter Brown and J.P. France didn't use their opportunity in 2023 to cement their position in the rotation moving forward.
One name that could be of use to Houston is All-Star pitcher Michael Wacha.
The righty has been in the league for 11 seasons, most of which was spent with the St. Louis Cardinals and most recently was with the San Diego Padres.
Wacha holds a career 3.96 ERA with a 1.292 WHIP. He has pitched more than 120 innings in each of the last three seasons and would be a perfect fit to slot in as the third starter in the Astros rotation.
The 2015 All-Star would also not cost nearly as much as some of the top line starters. A three to four-year deal in the $18-20 million AAV range.
That could fit into Houston's payroll, despite the fact that general manager Dana Brown said that they would be tightening the belt this winter.
Regardless, if the Astros are serious about being World Series contenders, then the middle of the rotation must be addressed this winter whether through free agency or trade.
