Maybe the Houston Astros could make another Major League roster addition after all as they’re predicted to land an All-Star utilityman.
If the Houston Astros have a difficult season in 2024, this certainly will be a winter to forget after their owner, Jim Crane, decided he didn’t want to go over the luxury tax threshold.
That has put a limitation on what general manager, Dana Brown, can do and is a main reason why their offseason has been viewed so harshly
But, maybe they aren’t done adding Major League pieces after all.
ESPN Senior Writer, Dave Schoenfield gave out his predictions for where he thinks some of the top remaining free agents at each position will sign.
He believes the Astros could land three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield.
“How about Merrifield to the Astros? Jose Altuve could use a few more games at DH to get off his feet and Merrifield just provides depth insurance for a roster that doesn’t have a lot of it,” he writes.
This would actually be a very good signing for Houston.
The 34-year-old is coming off an All-Star selection in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays after slashing .272/.318/.382 with 11 home runs and 67 RBI over 145 games.
Merrifield also played at second base and the corner outfield spots last season as well, so his defensive versatility would be major plus for the Astros if they want to give any of their players time off.
MLB Trade Rumors previously projected him to sign for a contract around two years and $18 million.
The $9 million AAV might be too much for Houston to consider signing him because of their self-imposed financial cap, but maybe the opportunity to compete for a World Series championship lowers his asking price.
Either way, this signing could be one to monitor if things truly start heating up between the parties, but it also signals some analysts don’t necessarily think Houston is done making additions just yet.
