Houston Astros: 5 blockbusting free agency moves to make this offseason
By T.A. Mock
Clayton Kershaw, LHP
I know what you’re thinking, this will never happen and you know what, you’re probably right. Plus, Clayton Kershaw isn’t even guaranteed to be a free agent this offseason. However, the odds are he will hit the open market as Kershaw is worth more than two years, $65 million he could opt into. So, he’ll likely opt out to get at least one more big deal, especially with some of the injury concerns he’s had recently.
Okay, so he opts out, but there’s no way the Dodgers let him leave or that he wants to leave the Dodgers. However, there’s a distinct possibility that he may. He might want to test the waters elsewhere, especially if the Dodgers are once again unable to win a World Series. So, why not jump ship to a team that’s won one recently and has a great contention window to win another That’s where the Houston Astros jump in.
Kershaw is one of the best pitchers to ever do it. He’s captured three Cy Young awards, an MVP trophy, and won the pitching triple crown (leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts). He’s had a sub-2.00 ERA three times in his career and is a strikeout machine with nearly 2,300 for his career.
More from House 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
If a guy like this hits the open market, he’s going to have his choice of teams to choose from. However, beyond the Dodgers, there’s probably only a couple more realistic options and the Astros are one of them. Kershaw could want to come home to Texas and play for a contender. He could get sick of the lights in LA and (potential) lack of championships.
So, why not come to Houston. Why not form the greatest three-headed pitching monster the MLB has ever seen with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole.
Another option: Retain Dallas Keuchel
Of course, this is on the table for the Astros. Dallas Keuchel is one of the greatest Astros of this decade. He’s seen the good years and the bad, both for himself and the team. Keuchel will be solid but unspectacular for a long time.
Next. Top four options to replace Marwin Gonzalez. dark
Signing any of these guys will be a coupe for the Houston Astros. They need to try to make some of these happen in an effort to return to the World Series in 2019.