The Houston Astros are currently a difficult team to assess.
After a dominant stretch from 2017 to 2023, the Astros were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season. Additionally, they saw their payroll reach an all-time high before starting the process of parting ways with some of their star players.
Free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman appears to have no clear place to return to, while superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker has already been traded to the Chicago Cubs. The Astros seem to recognize that maintaining a top-five payroll may not be the most sustainable path to success.
Nonetheless, it will be tempting for Houston to explore the free-agent market for a replacement for Tucker, as their current outfield lacks significant star power.
Recently, Laura Albanese of Newsday speculated that the Astros could pursue former Baltimore Orioles All-Star Anthony Santander in free agency.
“Santander isn’t a perfect player: He’s slow, a subpar outfielder, and struggles to get on base consistently, but he provides instant offensive production, and many teams would value that,” Albanese noted.
“The Astros could use some more offense, especially if they don’t sign Bregman, and they need an outfielder.”
Santander, 30, set a career high with 44 home runs in 2024, ranking third in the league. He also drove in 102 RBIs, posted an .814 OPS with a 134 OPS+, and contributed 2.9 bWAR.
According to The Athletic, Santander is projected to command a five-year, $105 million deal. However, the market for the switch-hitter has cooled somewhat, so the Astros might be able to wait him out and potentially land him at a lower cost.
While finances remain a significant hurdle, the Astros could greatly benefit from adding a bat like Santander’s to strengthen their outfield. Only time will tell if this move becomes a realistic option.
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