The Houston Astros saw one of their best players depart during the MLB free agency period. The team still features plenty of high-value players who were built from within, but there might be cracks showing in the foundation.
The Astros have hopes of getting back in the World Series, and they have the talent for doing so. Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Kyle Tucker, and Zack Greinke are all still on the roster, but there are a few noticeable changes to spot in 2021.
A Major Loss
George Springer departed the Astros this offseason and signed a six-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Springer had a .265 average and fourteen home runs last season.
We’re excited to officially announce our minor league affiliates for the 2021 season!
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— Houston Astros (@astros) February 12, 2021
Springer will be going from a hitter-friendly park in Minute Maid Park to an artificial turf stadium in the Rogers Centre, so there’s a chance he might have more luck there. The team is expected to have Myles Straw replace him in the outfield.
Acquisitions of Note
The Houston Astros signed outfielder Steven Sousa Jr. from the Chicago Cubs, but he likely won’t compete with Straw for a starting position. Sousa is a non-roster invitee who had a .148 average last year. The Astros also signed catcher Jason Castro to a two-year contract. Castro had a .188 average with the San Diego Padres last season.
The Astros also signed contracts with Pedro Baez from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ryne Stanek from the Miami Marlins. The two pitchers are setup men who will help prepare Ryan Pressly for more save opportunities this season. The team will need them, as there is some uncertainty whether Josh James or Austin Pruitt will return from their surgeries this season.
The team also ensured outfielder Michael Brantley would stick around, as they resigned him to a two-year contract. Brantley was one of the Astros’ better offensive performers last season, as he had a .300 average with five home runs.
The Astros also restocked their farm system with a few high-value free agents. The team acquired second baseman C.J. Hinojosa from Milwaukee Brewers, plus they got outfielder Jose Siri from the San Francisco Giants. Both players will likely start the season with the AAA Round Rock Express.
Departures of Value
George Springer isn’t the only notable name to depart from Houston this offseason. The team also saw catcher Dustin Garneau leave for the Detroit Tigers, while reliever Joe Biagini left for the Chicago Cubs.
Outfielder Josh Reddick is not expected to return. The current free agent had a .245 average last season. The team also hasn’t tendered a deal with long reliever Aaron Sanchez. Reliever Cy Sneed was also released early during the MLB free agency period.
Pitcher Cionel Perez was also traded to the Cincinnati Reds. The team got minor league catcher Luke Berryhill in the trade. He will likely start the season in the minor leagues with either the Asheville Tourists or Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
The Overall Look
The Houston Astros reached the ALCS last season, but they still struggled to get above .500 during the regular season. The Astros have hopes that they will perform better during a regular 162 or 154-game season. The team has managed to keep much of its infrastructure intact, although it did lose one significant piece to Toronto.
The Astros will be hoping for some consistency this coming season. The goal for the Astros this season will be to win the AL West and to get back in the World Series.
The fact that Justin Verlander will likely return from Tommy John surgery in October helps, although whether he would be ready to pitch during the playoffs remains uncertain.
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