Astros: What Changes Need To Be Made To The Bullpen?

At House of Houston, we’re evaluating every position on the Astros roster as we begin the offseason.

Since being eliminated a few weeks ago, we’ve gone through every position except for one. Today we wrap it all up with the bullpen.

Positions Recapped

Catcher
First base
Second base
Shortstop
Third base
Outfield
Starting Rotation

One of the biggest transformations from 2014 to 20145 was the new and improved bullpen. Last offseason GM Jeff Luhnow spent lots of money bringing several late inning options. Closer Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek were the biggest additions to the revamped bullpen. Gregerson signed a three-year deal worth $18.5 million and finished with a 3.10 ERA and 31 saves. Neshek finished with a 3.62 ERA after signing a two-year, $12.5 million deal with a third year club option worth between $6.5-$9 million depending on the amount of games he pitches.

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Will Harris and Tony Sipp were both waiver claims and two huge relievers for the Astros last season. Harris was a potential All-Star after a 0.91 ERA in the first half. He struggled a bit in September with a 3.75 ERA, but he proved his worth with a 1.90 season ERA in 71 innings pitched in 2014. Tony Sipp’s 1.99 ERA in 60 games was another spectacular and surprising development for the Astros bullpen. He was great for the Astros down the stretch and came up big in crucial situations in September and the playoffs. He’s now a free agent and the Astros NEED to make sure they bring him back.

Josh Fields is another reliever expected to return in 2016. Fields brings something that no other reliever brings to the Astros and that’s fire. He was pretty reliable throughout the season, though was susceptible to big innings, allowing two or more runs in six of his 11 run-allowing appearances.

Chad Qualls, Joe Thatcher and Oliver Perez were also part of the regular bullpen at a time last season. The Astros declined their club option on Qualls, whereas lefties Thatcher and Perez are free agents. Since Sipp is also a left-handed, the Astros now have zero lefties in their bullpen. Sipp is their best option, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they bring back one of the other two if Sipp signs elsewhere.

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There are usually seven spots in a bullpen and the Astros appear to have at least four of the spot taken up by Gregerson, Neshek, Harris and Fields. I expect the Astros to re-sign Sipp and also trade for a closer. Gregerson did a commendable job pitching the ninth for most of the year but it was clear the Astros lacked a fireballer closer. Late in the season the Astros bullpen struggled and things could have been different if the Astros acquired a closer at the deadline and shifted the other relievers down an inning.

Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller are likely at the top of the Astros’ wishlist. Acquiring a closer should be priority number one for the Astros and I believe they will find one. Kimbrel is the best option of the three, both in terms of cost (money and cost in a trade) and quality (career 1.63 ERA).

Assuming they acquire a closer and re-sign Sipp, that leaves one other spot open and that’s usually for a long reliever. A starting pitcher that just misses the rotation may end up in the bullpen. Scott Feldman and Mike Fiers are the likely favorites for the rotation right now so it’s possible Vincent Velasquez or another AAA starter ends up as the last reliever in the bullpen.

The Astros have tons of options when it comes to their rotation and bullpen. Expect at least one big name added to the bullpen and it may come sooner rather than later.

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Next: Taking A Look At The Astros' Impending Free Agents

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