Add a fireballer to the bullpen? Check.
Bring back your best reliever from last year? Check.
GM Jeff Luhnow accomplished both those goals during the winter meetings last week when he acquiredKen Gilesfrom the Philadelphia Phillies and re-signedTony Sippto a three-year deal.
The bullpen now looks pretty much set with only the long-man role not determined yet. The Astros didn’t officially name Giles the 2016 closer, but you would assume that it’s his role to lose come spring training.
The important thing is that Luhnow made a move to hopefully avoid another 2015 ALDS disaster. Now that they’ve improved the bullpen, where do the Astros look next?According to Luhnow, the Astros are going to look to get creative and possibly add a starter and/or a bat.
"“I think we’re going to look at either bringing in another pitcher for the rotation or a bat of some sort. We’re going to be creative and think through different options and see where we end up but our work’s not done.”"
We know the Astros have expressed interest in bringing backScott Kazmirand they’re reportedly interested inYovani Gallardo. Those are two free agent pitchers that would make the rotation better.
More fromHouse of Houston
- Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?
- Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever
- Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame
The Astros have also talked to the Cleveland Indians aboutCarlos Carrasco. In the past the Astros have also talked to the San Diego Padres aboutTyson Ross. Those two, along with the trio of pitchers in Tampa Bay (Jake Odorizzi,Drew SmylyandAlex Cobb) would also make sense as upgrades to the Astros rotation. Or maybe they unload the farm on the Marlins to acquireJose Fernandez?!? Probably not, but that would definitely be “creative” of Luhnow.
The lineup figures to be set for the Astros, but this is more likely where they would get “creative”. Teams have been said to be interested inCarlos GomezandJake Marisnick. Trading Gomez for a starting pitcher would open up an outfield spot for a potential free agent such asAlex Gordon,Justin UptonorYoenis Cespedes.
More from Houston Astros
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Astros: Playoffs require stronger finish
- Houston Astros: Three reasons why team should trade Josh Reddick now
- Houston Astros: Assessing the lineup without Yordan Álvarez
- Houston Astros: Why the pitching rotation is coming together at right time
Signing a first baseman likeChris Davisor trading for a third baseman likeTodd Frazierwould also be shocking, yet would help the Astros. However, it seems like the Astros are content with lettingTyler Whiteand/orA.J. Reedtake over the reigns at first base andLuis Valbuenaat the hot corner.
The options appear limitless if Luhnow intends to get creative. Most positions are filled on the 25-man roster, but the Astros could opt to switch things up and it appears Luhnow is ready to do so if it makes this team better.
Click herefor all the latest on the Astros’ offseason.
Next: What I Would Do If I Were GM
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations