Houston Astros: Options to fill out a currently barren outfield
By Nick Stevens
The Houston Astros have to bring back Michael Brantley in 2021.
It seems as if re-signing George Springer isn’t going to be an option for the Houston Astros, barring an unforeseen miracle which isn’t out of the question considering it’s still 2020. So we’re going to operate under the assumption that Springer isn’t coming back.
How do the Astros address their outfield?
Step one is to bring Michael Brantley. This is a pretty easy choice and it appears that the two sides have a mutual desire to get a deal done.
Houston doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room with their salary cap, but enough to swing a two-year/$20+ million deal for Brantley to return to the lineup.
A 12-year MLB veteran, Brantley slashed .300/.364/.476 with five home runs and 15 doubles in 46 games this season for Houston, appearing mainly at DH to replace the void left by Yordan Alvarez for much of the year. But the defense is still there for the 33-year-old outfielder.
Brantley was worth 1 Outs Above Average and 5 Defensive Runs Saved in left field last season, respectable numbers for those concerned about his age. With a healthy Alvarez set to take over full-time DH duties in 2021, the Astros can still feel comfortable keeping Brantley in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup with other options expected to be more limited.
There may be more options available to Brantley with the universal DH on the horizon, but a reunion with the Houston Astros is beneficial to both sides. Banking on the fact that a lingering quad injury and the weirdness that was 2020 are to blame for his slight regression last season, another two-year investment in Brantley will be worthwhile.