The Houston Astros kicked off the week with a major free agency acquisition.
On Monday, it was reported that they will sign former Chicago White Sox star Jose Abreu to a three-year deal to play first base for them.
An already loaded lineup got much more firepower: Abreu has hit 243 MLB home runs in nine seasons and is an RBI machine.
He hit .304 last year with 40 doubles, 15 home runs, and a 137 wRC+ (league-average is 100).
If you wanted more proof that he is still a terrific hitter even at 35, you have his .824 OPS.
He is no spring chicken, but the Astros are confident he will remain above-average for the next three years.
It was the perfect response by the Astros after their main AL West foe, the Seattle Mariners, got a top right-handed bat (Teoscar Hernandez) via trade by giving up a setup man in Erik Swanson.
The Mariners Need More Impact Offensive Players
In fact, Mariners fans, who felt like winners in the first few weeks of the offseason after swinging that trade, felt the impact of the Astros’ move and are now begging the M’s to get another offensive piece.
“Dear Seattle Mariners, The World Champion Houston Astros just got better. Please get a big bat, or two. And another power arm (ghost forkball). Sincerely, Your Fans,” Brock Huard tweeted.
Dear Seattle Mariners,
The World Champion Houston Astros just got better. Please get a big bat, or two. And another power arm (ghost forkball).
Sincerely,
Your Fans— Brock Huard (@BrockHuard) November 28, 2022
The Mariners offense is not bad, especially now that they have Hernandez to join Julio Rodriguez, Eugenio Suarez, Cal Raleigh, and Ty France.
That’s five potentially impactful hitters, but more is needed.
Seattle has some good pitching but can really use another potent bat or two if they want to keep up with the Astros and finally get rid of them in the postseason.
NEXT: Mariners Reportedly Linked To A Top Veteran Free Agent