MLB Christmas list for the offseason

The Houston Astros need bullpen help and wish for Liam Hendriks.

This Christmas wish presents another obvious need. The Houston Astros will need to improve their bullpen arms in order to compete for a championship next season.

While the fate of George Springer’s future remains the most important dilemma in Houston, Astros’ manager Dusty Baker admitted the club is also seeking bullpen help. Baker discussed this need with reporters via a Zoom conference call last week, his first time speaking to the press since the season ended.

“Like I’ve always been told, you can never have enough pitching,” said Baker. “Right now, we’re looking to shore up our bullpen, probably first.”

Last year, Houston’s bullpen ranked 15th in the MLB with a 4.39 ERA. This average bullpen depth was good enough for another ALCS appearance last year, but next year is more uncertain. Currently, the Astros have five bullpen arms locked into contracts next season including Ryan Pressly, Joe Smith, Enoli Paredes, Blake Taylor, and Brooks Raley. None of these names are considered elite arms, especially for the 9th inning.

With that being said, the Astros would love to add an elite arm to their bullpen this Christmas. And what better place to look than Liam Hendriks, the best closer in baseball the past two seasons.

Last year, Hendriks won American League Reliever of the Year after posting a 1.78 ERA. Hendriks also earned an All-Star bid in 2019, pitching to a 1.80 ERA while recording 25 saves.