New Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker smiles during a baseball press conference at Minute Maid Park, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
REPORT: Houston Astros are talking about signing a new superstar from…
Although the Houston Astros have been largely missing from the scene, they made a big impression recently in free agency.
The Astros have mostly done nothing but watch as prominent free agents have come and gone. Will things stay that way? Here’s what the most recent reports and speculations about the team indicate.
The Astros recently hosted their first press conference after adding Josh Hader, the biggest offseason acquisition. He signs a huge five-year, $95 million contract. In MLB history, it’s the largest deal ever given to a closer.
Until that moment, they had been rather silent. The club hadn’t accomplished anything, aside from Dusty Baker’s retirement and Joe Espada’s appointment as bench coach. Their target was Shohei Ohtani. Nor did they extend an offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Furthermore, they haven’t really been connected to any of the top free agents that are still available, such as Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, or Cody Bellinger. Although they haven’t expressed interest or made any bids, that may change.
For Bellinger especially, that might change. The Astros have shown a desire for left-handed hitters, and he is the best available in that regard. Manager Dana Brown is investigating, according to Brian McTaggart.
Bellinger is a left-handed outfielder. While he doesn’t have the exceptional speed Brown is seeking, he nevertheless fulfills most requirements. Additional possibilities for inclusion that primarily meet these requirements are:
Pederson Joc Eddie Rosario Winker Jesse Meadows in Austin
Although Brown doesn’t have a lot of options in free agency, he might think about making a trade for a player who isn’t currently available. In any case, Hader doesn’t seem to be the defending AL West winners’ last summer addition.
