3 Cheap Free Agent Bullpen Options for Houston Astros

With the Houston Astros flat out saying they will not be spending for free agents this offseason, they likely will have to go the cheaper route to rebuild their bullpen that lost three players.

Maybe them saying that is a ruse, but owner Jim Crane seems pretty adamant about not having a higher salary cap than last season.

So, if that's really the case, then the Astros will have to target some veteran arms who won't be looking for a payday at this point in their careers.

Here are three options they could target if that's the strategy they take.

Andrew Chafin

The 33-year-old would likely be the most expensive option out of the remaining players on this list, as Spotrac estimates his value to be roughly $3.5 million.

Chafin would give Houston a good left-handed relief option, something they've been lacking. He struggled a bit in 2023 between his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 4.73 ERA, however, he's not far removed from recording ERAs of 1.83 and 2.83 in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

David Robertson

Despite his age, Robertson has continued to give teams he's with good outings year after year. Prior to the New York Mets trading him before the deadline this season, the 38-year-old had a 2.05 ERA across 40 appearances and 44 innings.

He's recorded a sub-3.50 ERA in four out of his last six seasons and has been a staple for his teams in late innings. As a cheap option, the Astros could use him in situations that keep their top arms fresh.

Adam Cimber

It's strange to think that a reliever who was tied for the American League's most appearances in 2022 could sign for a lower-end deal on the open market.

But, Cimber was limited to only 22 games in 2023 after suffering a right shoulder injury. Prior to being placed on the 60-day IL, he had an ERA of 7.40. He's a free agent after being non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays and it's possible that other teams view him as a promising piece.

That could cause his value to rise, as Spotrac doesn't have an estimate for what his value might be this offseason. Houston should inquire to see what type of contract he's looking for as Cimber could become a major piece of their bullpen when healthy.