The Houston Astros are heading into an interesting offseason. After an active trade deadline, the 2025-2026 offseason is looking like it'll be a less active one.
But, despite the Astros' intention to shed some payroll and stay under the luxury tax, they still plan to address two areas of the roster.
According to MLB insiders Chandler Rome and David O'Brien of The Athletic, the Astros are planning to add at two areas of the roster this offseason. Those two spots are the starting rotation and a left-handed batter.
Astros plan to address two areas of roster despite luxury tax constraints
"Astros owner Jim Crane is wary of crossing the luxury tax threshold this winter, according to multiple team sources," Rome and O'Brien report, "... Even though Houston intends to address its depleted starting rotation and perhaps add another left-handed bat."
Houston is not going to gut the roster, as they are still under the first luxury tax threshold, but that hard cap makes things challenging to bring in new talent.
But that isn't to say they won't address their biggest needs this winter. A starting pitcher and a left-handed batter are the two biggest needs for this Astros team.
With a very crowded infield, that left-handed batter likely would come in the outfield. There are more left-handed hitting outfielders than right-handed hitting outfielders available this offseason.
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If the Astros wanted to pull off an interesting trade, they could send Jake Meyers to the Philadelphia Phillies for left-handed hitter Brandon Marsh. The Phillies are interested in Meyers, and Marsh has just two years left of control, and could be expendable.
Regardless of who they target, the Astors are looking for a left-handed hitter. Jesus Sanchez didn't work out, so that need is still very apparent for the Astros.
The rotation need is clear, as the team has dealt with brutal injuries at the position. With a lot of interesting options at the top of the market, the Astros could go bargain-bin hunting this winter and find a cheap, quality starter.
Dana Brown has his work cut out for him this winter, as the luxury tax constraint will make free agent deals and trades more challenging to make. But Brown and the Astros plan to add a lefty hitter and another starting pitcher this offseason.
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