Because the Astros head to the postseason as soon as once more, there aren’t many evident holes within the Houston lineup if you happen to look past first base. The manufacturing the staff has obtained there, led by José Abreu, ranks within the backside 5 within the league, however that is hardly the place they’re going to seemingly prioritize this offseason.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., LF/IF, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Astros lineup has helped carry them this yr. Alex Bregman has produced one other stable season at third base, whereas Kyle Tucker has emerged as probably the greatest proper fielders in baseball. The pair each rank within the prime three at their respective positions when it comes to WAR on the season. Houston will need to get them help within the lineup.
There is definitely some familiarity right here with Gurriel Jr., whose brother held down first base for the Astros for seven seasons. The youthful Gurriel spent many of the yr taking part in left area for the D’backs after coming over in a commerce final winter. Over his six-year profession he is a .279/.325/.468 hitter who made his first All-Star look this previous season.
Wandy Peralta, LHP, New York Yankees
Left-handed relievers that may be counted on are a invaluable commodity, and there are solely a handful who will probably be on the free-agent market this offseason. It is one piece of the Houston bullpen that does not stand out.
Peralta has been an vital piece of the Yankees bullpen for the reason that membership acquired him in 2021. He is been utilized in a number of roles and even served because the membership’s nearer through the postseason in 2022. He is well-liked within the New York clubhouse and there are these inside the group who hope to re-sign him, however the market might dictate in any other case.
Shota Imanaga, LHP, Yokohama DeNA BayStars (NPB)
This can be a little bit of a wild card, notably as a result of the Astros beginning rotation is a power. Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, and Justin Verlander are a formidable entrance three. J.P. France emerged as an actual possibility and Hunter Brown had a stable season. Plus, in some unspecified time in the future subsequent season the membership ought to see Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. again from damage.
Imanaga is anticipated to be posted by the BayStars this offseason and he may very well be probably the greatest arms out there on the open market. The left-hander has a 2.57 ERA and 0.986 WHIP on the season in Japan’s highest league. He started the yr serving to anchor the Japan World Baseball Basic roster, beginning their gold medal-winning sport. Including him to the Houston rotation would make them much more formidable.
