Assessing Best Free Agent Options For Houston Astros

Despite being one of the best teams in baseball throughout the past decade, it's been clear this season that the Houston Astros' roster does have some holes in it following their World Series championship.

While very little can be done about that in the 2023 season, free agency gives the front office a chance to address those issues and upgrade the team heading into the start of next year.

The positions that need addressing are first base, catcher and pitching. Below are the best targets that the front office can go after this offseason.

First Base

The Astros thought they were hitting a slam dunk when they signed Jose Abreu to a three-year deal during free agency. That has not been the case so far as he's posted a career worst slash line of .234/.291/.343 and finds himself on the injured list with a hurt back. The offensive production has not been there and has forced Dusty Baker into playing rookie catcher Yainer Diaz at the position, resulting in defensive lapse.

Josh Bell would be a great addition for Houston if he opts-out of his contract with the Miami Marlins. He's a switch hitter who can produce in pinch hitting spots. With Abreu likely returning next year because of his contract, Bell would provide a platoon option at the position to combine defense and offense in case Abreu's bat stays cold.

Catcher

The Astros have the catcher of their future on their major league roster right now. The aforementioned Diaz has been incredible hitting so far this season, but his defense still needs some work behind the plate. That's the main reason why Martin Maldonado continues to be the everyday catcher despite his almost non-existent hitting.

Mitch Garver could be an option in free agency. He's had a resurgent season hitting the baseball for the rival Texas Rangers and provides more stability on defense. Maldonado will be a free agent with the organization ready to hand the position over to Diaz. Bringing in Garver would keep the defensive upside high and bring more offense to the position.

Pitching

Despite the recent struggle of the starting rotation, they're set up for success in the future with their young arms getting major experience this season. They could add another name this offseason like Jack Flaherty or Julio Urias, but the focus should be on the bullpen.

Phil Maton, Hector Neris and Ryne Stanek are all hitting free agency at the end of the season. Houston should try and bring back one of these players with the focus likely on Maton because he's the youngest at 30-years-old.

The biggest name would be landing Josh Hader. He would immediately vault their bullpen back to the best in the league. Craig Kimbrel could be an option after being an elite reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies this season. But besides Hader, the best option would be landing flamethrower Jordan Hicks. The 26-year-old has been up and down throughout his first five seasons in the MLB, but joining a stable bullpen in Houston could take his game to the next level.

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