The Houston Astros appeared in their third World Series in the last five seasons, but lost to the Atlanta Braves and will enter the offseason with several questions.
These questions are basically situations they need to solve before 2022 spring training.
Here are three of them.
3. How Are They Going To Address The Bullpen?
The Astros bullpen showed its worth in the World Series, pitching more than half of the team’s innings and doing a remarkable job.
They couldn’t get the title, but it wasn’t because of the bullpen.
In any case, the unit will lose two important names to free agency: Kendall Graveman and Yimi Garcia.
Both men were important trade acquisitions that helped the Astros achieve most of their objectives, especially Graveman.
Garcia was immaculate in four World Series innings, and Graveman also pitched four frames but allowed a single run.
Will the organization try to re-sign them both?
Will they pursue just one of them?
Or are the Astros letting them walk?
Those are important questions they will have to answer soon enough.
2. Will They Offer Top Dollar To Correa?
Contract negotiations between Houston and star shortstop Carlos Correa haven’t gone smoothly.
In late March, the team offered $120 million for six years, which the infielder considered “really low”.
Then, on April 1, they countered with a five-year, $125 proposal, but it was also rejected by the player’s camp.
Correa expressed his disappointment and seemed determined to enter free agency.
An extension hasn’t been worked out, so the situation is the same: he will be up for grabs for any contending team that wants his services.
He has also flirted with several teams, including the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.
The fact that Houston didn’t extend Correa and he is now officially a free agent doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be back with the Astros, though.
At this point, it’s unlikely, but not impossible.
Will the Astros break the bank for him and offer something closer to $200 million or more?
Problem is & the reason I ultimately don't see a Correa-#Astros reunion is don't think their numbers are going to be close. If it were a difference of 1 yr or 20-30 million dollars then I see where you're coming from. Think they'll be further apart. Esp the length of the deal.
— Ryan Sack (@RyanSackSports1) October 4, 2021
The shortstop just had an amazing season, with a .279 average, an .850 OPS, 104 runs, 26 homers, and 92 RBI.
The pursuit of Correa will be one of the offseason’s hottest storylines.
1. Will They Try To Bring Back Verlander Or Greinke?
The Astros’ starting pitching needs at least two or three reinforcements.
Yes, Lance McCullers Jr. will be back, and Framber Valdez, Jose Urquidy, and Luis Garcia represent a good foundation.
But Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke are both hitting free agency this winter.
Are the Astros happy to complete the rotation depth chart with Jake Odorizzi and Cristian Javier?
Or will they pursue a reunion with one of their veteran hurlers?
Astros have Correa, Verlander, and Greinke all leaving this offseason…not sure they’ll be back.
— CRISTIAN HERNÁNDEZ STAN. | OFFSEASON🐻 #Lesko2CHC (@j_ustinsteele_) November 3, 2021
Of the two, Verlander is the one who can still perform at an ace level for at least one or two more seasons.
Greinke wasn’t bad at all this year, but his 4.16 ERA in 171 frames indicates he is more of a mid-to-back-end starter for the foreseeable future.
The organization can also decide to pursue younger pitchers, such as Carlos Rodon, Robbie Ray, or Kevin Gausman.
But Verlander, in particular, makes sense.
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