Houston Astros extend qualifying offer to Colby Rasmus

Following a heartbreaking postseason loss, the 2015-16 offseason gives the Houston Astros the opportunity to strengthen their young roster, and decide on what pieces to move forward with.

The Astros have made their first noise in the offseason by making a one year/$15.8 million qualifying offer to outfielder Colby Rasmus. This leaves Rasmus a week to decide whether he will take the qualifying offer, or become a free agent.

Rasmus initially joined the Astros prior to 2015 on a one year/$8 million deal, and went on to aid the Astros’ power-heavy lineup to an appearance in the American League Division Series. While succeeding with power, hitting 25 home runs while driving in 61, Rasmus hit a mediocre .238, accompanied by a pedestrian .314 OBP.

Despite having a somewhat forgettable regular season, Rasmus exploded in October, and was a large part of the Astros’ three postseason wins. The left-handed power hitter smacked four home runs and drove in 6, hitting .429 in the ALDS against the eventual world champion Kansas City Royals.

Overall, Rasmus has appeared in 930 games over seven years in the MLB, spending time with both the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals, the latter of which drafted him as a first round pick in 2005.

The 29-year old has posted a career .245/.313/.443 triple slash, with 141 HR’s and 413 RBI. Rasmus’ best year was arguably in 2013 as a member of the Blue Jays, where he amassed 22 HR and 66 RBI, while putting up a .276/.338/.501 triple slash. A return to this level of play for Rasmus could prove to be monumental for the Astros shall Rasmus agree to the qualifying offer.

Colby Rasmus offers a bottom of the order power bat, and one that continue to mesh the young Houston Astros’ core together, as they look to return to the postseason in 2015.