Houston Astros: Five things atop the team’s Christmas wish list
By T.A. Mock
A lefty bat, preferably in the outfield
Another area of obvious need is another bat, preferably left handed and preferably in the outfield. The team has been hoping to add a bat with some pop to it to the lineup this offseason. The team has specified previously that they don’t care whether or not the bat is lefty or in the outfield but, to this writer, those two things make the most sense.
Marwin Gonzalez could still return, especially if his market doesn’t materialize like he’d hoped but his probable departure and the fact that he was the primary left fielder has left a hole in the outfield. However, there is also a potential DH opening and a potential 1B opening depending on what the team does with Yuli Gurriel and Tyler White.
Now, the most ideal answer would be that Kyle Tucker had a breakout sophomore campaign after a rough rookie year as he is both left-handed and an outfielder. He definitely has the ability to take over that role as he has been a terrific all-around bat in the minors and has good outfield tools. However, the Houston Astros shouldn’t bank on that being a sure thing to start the season.
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So, they should be pursuing an external option to come in and help bridge the gap and take over a spot in the lineup. Michael Brantley is a terrific option and something we have explored previously. He can play left, is a lefty bat, and could play first to extend his versatility.
The team could also shoot for the stars and try to sign Bryce Harper, as I previously broke down. Harper would be an incredible coupe but one that is unlikely. There are also plenty of other options that don’t 100% fit these limitations that the team could pursue but expect something in this realm to go down this offseason.