TL;DR
- Houston Astros plan to reinforce starting rotation and add a left-handed hitter this offseason.
- The team aims to reduce expenses and stay below the luxury tax threshold.
- Potential trade involves Jake Meyers for Brandon Marsh, a left-handed batter.
- Astros prioritize rotation depth and acquiring a cost-effective starting pitcher.
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.
However, even though the Astros aim to reduce expenses and remain below the luxury tax threshold, they still intend to reinforce two parts of their team.
The Astros intend to bolster their roster in two key areas during the upcoming offseason, as reported by MLB insiders Chandler Rome and David O'Brien of The Athletic. These areas include the starting rotation and the addition of a left-handed hitter.
Despite luxury tax limitations, the Astros intend to make improvements in two roster spots.
"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 won't dismantle its roster entirely, remaining below the initial luxury tax line, though the strict salary cap presents difficulties in acquiring new players.
However, it's not to say they won't tackle their most significant requirements this winter. The Astros' two primary needs are a starting pitcher and a left-handed hitter.
Given the crowded infield, a left-handed batter would probably move to the outfield. This offseason, there are more left-handed hitting outfielders available than right-handed hitting outfielders.
The Astros might consider an intriguing trade by Sending Jake Meyers to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for left-handed batter Brandon Marsh. Marsh, who has only two years remaining on his contract and could be deemed expendable, is of interest to the Phillies.
The Astros are seeking a left-handed batter, irrespective of their intended acquisition. Since Jesus Sanchez proved unsuccessful, this requirement remains quite evident for The Astros.
The necessity for rotation depth is evident, given the team's severe injury issues at that spot. Considering numerous appealing choices available in the market, the Astros might opt for a cost-effective approach this offseason, securing an affordable yet capable starting pitcher.
This winter presents Dana Brown with a significant challenge, as the luxury tax limit will complicate both free agent signings and trades. Nevertheless, Brown and the Astros intend to acquire a left-handed batter and an additional starting pitcher during the offseason.
More Astros News:
- Astros knock one out of the park with $2.5 million donation for Texas flood victims
- Braves' star could be a great option for the Astros if he's made available
- Insider questions how the Astros will solve their infield logjam
- Astros' Dana Brown, Joe Espada receive job status update after missing postseason
- Astros' Luis Garcia faces lengthy recovery after RHP undergoes 2nd Tommy John surgery