Houston Astros Rumors: 3 offseason moves that could destroy the future

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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Chasing big-name free agents could hinder the payroll

Let’s take reality for a second. Contracts are getting bigger and longer across all major sports, especially in baseball. The rumored deals Bryce Harper and Manny Machado could command are mind-boggling. As good as they are, a 10+ year deal for over $300 million is insane. It’s an overpay no matter how good the player is but that is the current reality of major league baseball.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), reported that the Houston Astros actually had agreed to terms to bring Harper to Houston for the final two months of the season plus the playoffs. This would obviously seem to indicate they would be interested in bringing him in as a free agent.

The Astros won’t likely be chasing Machado as the left side of the infield is set in stone for the next few years with Bregman manning the hot corner and Correa holding down short. So, the biggest name the team could conceivably chase this offseason is Harper.

However, signing Harper would decimate the payroll and likely indicate one of Verlander and Cole won’t be receiving extensions. The same would likely be true for one of Springer, Bregman, and Correa. That’s how massive the deal Harper is going to get actually is. It would completely change the landscape, culture, and future of the Houston Astros. Harper would definitely add an incredible element to this team, but at what cost?

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The same could be said for Patrick Corbin. Corbin will likely get about half of what Harper will, in both years and compensation, but he isn’t a lock to be a top of the line ace. He has that potential as 2017 could suggest but there are also examples of how he could already be maxed out and teams could truly figure him out for good.

Honestly, overpaying to retain Keuchel could also hinder the future of the organization as he really isn’t the top of the rotation guy on a contender. So, the team needs to be especially cautious when it comes to spending money this year. This team has a young core that can compete for a long time and they should avoid hindering the opportunity to retain those guys for the foreseeable future.

Next. Five value free agents to add this offseason. dark

The Houston Astros need to make moves, they just need to do cautiously. Making the wrong move for the wrong player could destroy this team’s chances at winning a World Series next year and the years beyond. It could dismantle a budding dynasty.

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