Breaking News: Astros outline what will make them a powerhouse to watch in the American League
The Houston Astros will be an interesting team to watch this offseason when free agency begins.
The team fell short in the American League Wild Card Series against the young, upstart Detroit Tigers. They also won just 88 games and barely won a weak AL West.
Houston will be looking to prove that they are still a powerhouse in the American League. They don’t always make big splashes in free agency, but they did with Josh Hader last winter and could do it again this year.
The Astros had acquired left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline. Newsweek recently made predictions on where the top 10 free agent starting pitchers would sign and had Kikuchi returning to the Astros.
“The Astros gave up an arm and a leg to acquire Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline. Kikuchi was excellent in 10 starts with Houston during the back half of 2024 (2.70 ERA),” the article said.
“Houston gave up too much to acquire Kikuchi for them to let him walk in free agency. The Astros will cough up the money that it takes to bring the southpaw back.”
Kikuchi struggled with Toronto, posting a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts while going 4-9 in 115 2/3 innings. But after his resurgent second half in Houston, the veteran left-hander finished the year 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA.
His strong showing with Houston should be enough for him to land at least a three-year deal. Having the left-hander back should give Houston’s rotation a major boost, especially with injured starters Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, and Jose Urquidy making their way back.
We’ll see how Houston approaches the offseason.
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