MLB Insider Expects Houston Astros to Bolster Bullpen at Winter Meetings
The Houston Astros are expected to have a relatively quiet offseason. They have a solid core, their rotation could use some work, but if they make additions, it is widely expected to be to their bullpen.
The MLB Winter Meetings, which begin on Monday in Nashville, is where a lot of the negotiations will happen between teams and free agents.
According to Brain McTaggart of MLB.com, fans should expect the Astros to bolster their bullpen over the very bust next few days in Music City.
"The Astros have had one of baseball’s best bullpens in the last few years, but it’s facing somewhat of an overhaul this winter with three key relief arms -- Hector Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek -- in free agency," writes McTaggart.
"Neris (71 games), Maton (68 games) and Stanek (55 games) combined to throw 185 innings last season -- 33.9 percent of the team’s relief innings in 2023 -- and Neris, in particular, got huge outs all season. Look for the Astros to try to make an impact addition or two to their bullpen ahead of setup man Bryan Abreu and closer Ryan Pressly."
There are plenty of free agent relievers on the market, it just depends on how much Houston is willing to spend. It seems reasonable enough to expect that they won't be pursuing Josh Hader, the crown jewel of the relief pitching market. He could fetch north of $100 million, something that owner Jim Crane likely won't entertain.
However, veteran relievers Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Jordan Hicks could be decent fits. Neither will come with an exorbitant price tag and all could help with the sixth and seventh innings.
Houston will need to get creative if they wish to maintain one of the best bullpens in baseball without breaking the bank. Perhaps the Winter Meetings will bring more clarity to the Astros' plans.
