Houston Astros' Insider Says They Could Still Add Elite Reliever This Offseason

Much of the conversation surrounding the Houston Astros is what they are going to do with their ace Framber Valdez.

They could easily hold onto him and his roughly $13 million contract this year and compete for another World Series title, or the Astros could move him in exchange for future pieces and to help with some financial concerns.

Either way, this situation is generating a ton of attention, even though there has been little to update about how these discussions are progressing.

But while Houston is taking calls on Valdez to see what types of packages are being offered, one insider still thinks they could add an elite reliever this offseason.

"Astros general manager Dana Brown said earlier this month that the club will turn to internal candidates to fill some of the holes created following the departure of veteran relievers ... There’s still a chance Houston could add a high-leverage reliever," writes Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

While the Astros would love to have internal candidates fill in, there aren't many pitchers in their farm system, or currently in their bullpen, who fits that reliever mold.

Star prospect, Spencer Arrighetti, is viewed very highly inside the organization, but he's been a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. It's unknown if they would use him as a bullpen piece instead of working him into the starting rotation at some point.

Maybe when Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia return from injury it will allow Houston to move their 2023 rookies, J.P. France and Hunter Brown, into the bullpen.

The lack of clear internal candidate right now makes it much more likely that the Astros will look to add someone in free agency.

There's a chance that the offseason could actually heat up soon for the organization.