Houston Astros Potential Bullpen Target Signs With National League Powerhouse

What the Houston Astros will do this offseason is relatively unknown. They hired a new manager after Dusty Baker retired, but other than that, there is very little they need to do for this ready-made roster.

Three departures in their bullpen suggests that adding relievers would be the No. 1 priority during the offseason, but general manager Dana Brown has made no indication about this.

One thing for sure is the Astros are working with a limited budget because owner Jim Crane would like to keep the payroll around the same price as in 2023.

That would likely take them out of the running for elite closer Josh Hader.

A target they could have pursued was Reynaldo Lopez after his move into the bullpen during the 2021 season turned him into a viable relief option across the MLB.

However, the 29-year-old righty is now off the market after signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, as reported by USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.

Lopez had an incredible end to 2023 after he was claimed by the Cleveland Guardians off of waivers from the Los Angeles Angels following their salary dump.

In 12 games, he record an ERA of 0.00 for the Guardians across 11 innings pitched.

That solidified him as one of the top relievers on the market amongst this fairly weak class.

For $10 million per year, Houston likely could have fit him into their budget, but it might have limited the other options they could pursue for the remainder of the offseason.

It's also likely that the Astros bring back two or three of their former relievers who hit free agency following the year.

Their bullpen situation is one to monitor.