By now it’s pretty clear that the Houston Astros will not be major spenders this offseason and they probably won’t make a play to acquire an elite player in the trade market.
The front office was able to address two of their most important needs by signing a backup catcher and acquiring a reliever under club control via trade.
Still, following three departures from their bullpen who have been vital to that unit’s success, general manager Dana Brown might still have reliever on his wish list.
There’s been some rumblings that the Astros could reunite with one or more of the trio of departures. After all, they have familiarity with Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton and Hector Neris and know how they will fit into their clubhouse culture.
However, it’s unlikely that any of those three would return for the type of contract that Houston is seemingly looking for.
“I’m not interested in overpaying in the reliever market. I think we all value these guys and if it makes sense for us financially, we’ll go after it,” Brown said at the Winter Meetings.
