Do the Houston Astros really need another outfielder in 2018?

Even with a World Series title, the Houston Astros want more impactful players added to the roster. But is reeling in a free-agent outfielder necessary?

All of the hype regarding the Houston Astros on Monday centered on a starting pitcher. But the front office sneakily set its sight on another outfielder by offering Carlos Gonzalez a contract last week.

The move sheds light on an outfield situation that is anything but alarming. Houston possesses a strong corps of fielders that are offensively talented.

However, being that the Astros lost both Carlos Beltran and Cameron Maybin, a spot remains open on the roster. Now the question revolves around whether or not the team needs more depth in the position.

Beltran’s experience and knowledge in the dugout will be missed. But he was a liability in the lineup last year and not an option in the field. Maybin, who was acquired in August, offered speed and an extra glove in the field. Yet, he struggled at the plate and wasn’t valuable enough to keep.

Several outfielders remain on the free agent market, both All-Star caliber and lesser-talented players. J.D. Martinez is the most significant bat on the market, but Houston doesn’t need a game-changing power hitter in the order.

Preferably, the Astros might be searching for a more seasoned veteran, such as Gonzalez.

However, the front office could place its trust in the young guys that made their way through the farm system. Derek Fisher and Tony Kemp both have experience in the big leagues. And though pitchers overpowered the two at the dish, they still have potential.

Fisher was unstoppable in Triple-A, racking up 21 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 18 steals in just 84 games. Even though he hit a measly .212 for the Astros, he can improve in the coming year.

Kemp similarly tore it up in Fresno, as he hit for contact and stole opposing catchers blind. But much like Jon Singleton was when gained interest; his MLB numbers are unappealing.

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Younger prospects in the system are options, even if they don’t have much experience in Triple-A. Fans recall that Carlos Correa played just 28 games in Fresno before being promoted. That could mean that top fielding prospects can make their way to the big leagues immediately.

Kyle Tucker garnered analysts’ attention last season. He enters the new year as the team’s top prospect and a prime candidate for an early call-up. The outfielder possesses significant power and respectable speed, though he won’t steal many bags in the big leagues.

Still, if Houston fails to sign someone this offseason, Tucker could be in an Astros uniform by the summer. Jason Martin also has upside, considering he made a big leap into Double-A last year. Martin isn’t as prodigious a prospect as Tucker, but he could make an impact at some point in the next two years.

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The current rotation of outfielders is promising, as George Springer, Jake Marisnick, Josh Reddick and Marwin Gonzalez are all capable of producing throughout the entire season. Fisher is a serviceable guy off the bench.

Open roster spots could pave the way for other minor-league fielders, such as Colin Moran or A.J. Reed. Even when manager A.J. Hinch needs Gonzalez in the infield, he has Fisher to fill in.

But if someone gets hurt, or if Fisher flounders at the plate as he has thus far, one of the younger outfielders can make their way to Houston. Furthermore, adding another outfielder might be unnecessary, even if they provide an experienced bat and baseball I.Q.

Next: Which pitchers will the Astros pursue?

Overall, it seems that the Houston Astros aren’t done yet this offseason.

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