The Houston Astros faced multiple challenges throughout the 2024 season, particularly in their lineup.
Before the postseason, it seemed reasonable to believe that the Astros could compete offensively with the best in Major League Baseball. However, after their top five or six hitters, their offensive production was inconsistent.
One major issue was the first base position, a problem that persisted into the postseason. The front office was aware of this as the trade deadline approached and had considered acquiring a first baseman, but ultimately, no moves were made.
It’s not entirely fair to suggest that a better first baseman would have changed the outcome, but the Astros did lose two games to the Detroit Tigers due to their struggling offense. A player like Pete Alonso could have potentially turned things around with a big home run.
Alonso should be a top priority for the Astros this winter as he enters free agency for the first time and is expected to attract significant interest.
The primary concern surrounding Alonso is how much he might command in his next contract. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel estimates it could be between $130 million and $162 million.
Factors in Alonso’s favor include his strong marketability as a power hitter, his performance in a major market with a wealthy owner and a passionate fan base, and his growing reputation for clutch performances in October. While his contract might come in lower than recent free agents like Paul Goldschmidt ($130 million over five years) and Freddie Freeman ($162 million over six years), many in the industry believe he will land somewhere in between, especially if the Mets perform well in the playoffs.
The Astros have been hesitant to spend on free agents in recent offseasons, but that approach needs to change. They face tough decisions about their current roster, but this offseason is critical for them to invest in building a championship-caliber team.
With their dynasty potentially nearing its end, the Astros must enhance their talent around their core players to ensure continued success.
