MLB: 5 AL clubs on the search for a DH in 2017

5. Houston Astros – fWAR 0.7

Possible Replacements: Jose Bautista, Carlos Beltran

It’s a funny thing, but Evan Gattis was far more productive in the lineup as a catcher in 2016 than he was DH’ing.

El Oso Blanco hit .295/.345/.647 in 52 games and 190 at-bats at catcher with 19 home runs and 41 RBI. In more GP and ABs at DH (71/251), he hit less home runs (13) and drove in fewer base runners (31). His slash numbers took an even bigger hit, with a .219/.298/.410 slash line.

Given Gattis’ dWAR of 0.0 and the other catcher on the roster, Jason Castro, posting a 0.4 dWAR, there’s little separating these two defensively. Houston will look to re-sign Castro, who offers little in the way of offense with .210/.307/.377, 11 HR and 32 RBI numbers this year.

Bautista’s right-handed swing might be taylor-made for Minute Maid Park’s left field wall. He’s a liability in the outfield with his glove and turns 36 before the end of October. A full-time move to DH with an AL club for his next contract makes a lot of sense. Doing so would allow the Astros to spell Gattis at catcher and first base, as he’s proven he hits better when he plays defensively in games.

Another solution for a one year fix might be Beltran, who proved at 39, that he can still tear the cover off the ball (.295-29-93). The likely future Hall of Famer has stated he will either retire following 2016, or explore options for a one year deal.

A 19 year veteran, Beltran has never won a World Series and is probably anxious to do so. He trails only Ruth and Gehrig in lifetime postseason OPS. Houston has proven to be a contender in the AL West the last two seasons and may well have the pieces again to compete in 2017. Beltran could be a great fit for a one and done.