Winter Meetings: My Houston Astros Wish List

The Houston Astros are entering arguably their most important offseason of the last five years and the Winter Meetings provides GM Jeff Luhnow with ample opportunity to improve the franchise.

At this time last offseason, the Astros had already signed SP Scott Feldman to a three-year deal and acquired OF Dexter Fowler in a trade with the Colorado Rockies. This year’s offseason has so far been a bit more quiet with just the one acquisition of C Hank Conger.

So what’s likely on the horizon?

All indications are that the Astros will add at least one name to the bullpen, possibly two or three. They just missed out on Andrew Miller, but are expected to pursue David Robertson, Sergio Romo, and Luke Gregerson.

The Astros are also expected to try and bolster their middle infield. Jonathan Villar hasn’t quite cut it at shortstop and there’s room to improve at third base after Matt Dominguez‘s underwhelming season.

So what moves made my offseason wish list?

1. Sergio Romo and Luke Gregerson – I have zero interest in signing David Robertson. Sure, he may be the best available reliever, but I’d rather get two good relievers for the price of one, something I think the Stros could do with Romo and Gregerson. Plus, I prefer not to lose that draft pick.

2. Trade for an OF – Whether it’s Justin Upton, Carlos Gonzalez, Jay Bruce, or another power OF, I think the Astros need to unload some of their talent on the farm for a corner OF to plug next to George Springer for the next several years.

3. Trade Dexter Fowler – If the Astros do trade for a power OF trading Fowler may be easier to do. Regardless, I think the Astros should look to see what they can get for Fowler. Whether it’s in a deal to get a power OF or possibly to acquire more MLB talent, the Astros have a plethora of outfielders. Trading Fowler is something they should look into.

4. Trade Jason Castro – The Astros have 4 catchers and need to trade one. I expect one of Castro or Carlos Corporan to be dealt before Spring Training and it could happen as early as this week. Castro has more value.

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5. Sign/Trade for an ace – Their are several aces available but the Astros have yet to be linked to any of them. Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh had great seasons but the Astros could certainly use a veteran to anchor their young staff.

6. Back-end SP – If the Astros don’t go the route of an ace, they should look into filling out their rotation with a pitcher coming off an injury or bad season. Brett Anderson, Josh Johnson, and Kris Medlen come to mind as potential upside signings.

7. Trade Scott Feldman – I wasn’t a fan of the signing a bit more than a year ago and wouldn’t mind seeing him moved if there’s value to be had. With just 2 years and $18 million remaining on his contract, he could be sought-after as a SP3/4 for contenders.

Those are a just a few general moves I’d like the Astros to accomplish this offseason. I really only expect 3 or 4 of these to be done, but an Astros fan can hope for a little more excitement, right?!?

Stick with House of Houston throughout the entire week as we breakdown all the Astros rumors and moves during the Winter Meetings.