Way Too Early Look at Who Houston Astros Should Pursue in Free Agency

Nobody with the Houston Astros wants to be looking ahead to next season. They're in the middle of a heated divisional battle as they attempt to repeat as World Series champions.

However, it's never too early to take a look at who some of the free agents are that the Astros could pursue during the offseason.

With Shohei Ohtani headlining the class, Houston might be one of the only teams that doesn't need the phenom.

That's not to say that they wouldn't love to have the best player in baseball on their team, but with a loaded outfield and starting rotation full of young players, they one of the few that doesn't need Ohtani.

So here are some of the players that the Astros could target in free agency.

Relief Pitching

It's no wonder that the front office was looking to acquire controllable bullpen help ahead of the trade deadline. Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton and Hector Neris are all hitting free agency. Getting relief pitchers should be the biggest target.

Josh Hader is the clear best on the market. Adding him to the already lethal bullpen would be a statement. There's a real chance Houston makes a run at the left handed closer. Jordan Hicks could be another option. After failing to sign an extension with the St. Louis Cardinals, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays as a rental piece.

With those two as the biggest targets, the Astros could also turn to veteran help by the way of Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, Anthony Bass or Michael Fulmer.

Catcher

Martin Maldonado will be a free agent after the season. He's a prime candidate to be resigned because he's so good behind the plate. His biggest issue is hitting where he's a below average player. Houston does have their young catcher Yainer Diaz getting experience at the major league level, but he could be a couple years away from command calling a game.

If they don't resign Maldonado, the catching class is not strong. Yasmani Grandal is a player who adds a veteran presence and can also hit.

There are very few holes on this roster overall. That's why their a top team in baseball year after year. Getting relievers to keep the bullpen talented and deep should be their number one priority.

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