3 moves for the Houston Astros this offseason

Address the bullpen

Virtually every contending team in the majors needs help in the bullpen. The Houston Astros are one of those teams as well.

This is especially the case now that Kendall Graveman has been signed by the White Sox. He had helped solidify the back of the Astros’ bullpen last season but departed via free agency. Ryan Pressly was solid as a closer but the Astros could theoretically use a more dependable option for the ninth inning.

Those bullpen needs leave the Astros in a difficult position. The relievers that have already signed have received fairly substantial contracts. Should the Astros look to improve their bullpen, especially the closer position, it will be costly.

Conversely, the Astros could decide to wait out the free agent market, looking to sign relievers when the expected lockout comes to an end. Theoretically, players would be looking to sign quickly at that point, leading to a few potential bargains. However, given the number of teams looking for relievers, that strategy could easily backfire.

The Houston Astros are in the same spot as numerous other contenders – they need to upgrade their bullpen, but will face a lot of competition for those precious arms.