Slugging Outfielder Seen As 'Best Fit' For Houston Astros

Much of the conversation around the Houston Astros this offseason has been about their lack of financial flexibility. It's caused them to make very few signings and they likely won't do anything major to upgrade their roster.

The moves they have made addressed their areas of need, getting a reliever and backup catcher.

However, after being eliminated by the Texas Rangers in the ALCS last season, there is a section of people clamoring for owner Jim Crane to go over the tax threshold and add more talent.

If that's the case, then they might be interested in pursuing a slugging outfielder in free agency to bolster their depth.

The Athletic lists Tommy Pham as one of the best fits for the Astros after he put together a resurgent season in 2023. He was originally signed by the New York Mets to be their fourth outfielder before playing his way into an everyday role.

"He had his best season since 2019 with the Rays ... Seasons like Pham’s for a 35-year-old are more often dead-cat bounces than full-on revivals. Pham, however, could argue that a late-spring change in contact lenses was a primary driver of his on-field improvement and thus a reason it can be sustained. (He has keratoconus, an eye condition that can blur vision.)," Tim Britton and Aaron Gleeman wrote.

The 35-year-old was an important addition for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year after he came over at the trade deadline. He played a major role inside their young clubhouse during the postseason run.

Pham finished 2023 with a slash line of .256/.328/.446, adding 16 home runs and 68 RBI.

Britton and Gleeman are projecting him to get a contract for about $10 million, so Crane would have to be comfortable handing that type of deal for a position that is already crowded.