Despite missing out on Abreu, Astros will be active this winter

According to multiple reports, the Houston Astros were one of the finalists for the services of Cuban slugger, first baseman Jose Dariel Abreu, but lost out to the Chicago White Sox.

Despite not landing this power bat, Houston expects to be busy this winter as the team continues its rebuilding effort under General Manager Jeff Luhnow. According to Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle, Luhnow is open to making moves this winter.

"“We’re going to operate as if we have the resources we need to improve the team. It’s not about a certain number for us. It’s about a case-by-case basis and asking: ‘If a player is available, how does he fit in? What’s the cost? Who is involved? We’ll evaluate each player we have interest in. We’re not going to get them all, but we’re going to get our fair share.”"

Relief help is reportedly at the top of the team’s list this offseason, but the front office will also be looking at adding veteran starting pitching and an offensive performer, as well.

Luhnow came to Houston roughly two years ago with the goal of improving a poor farm system in hopes of building sustained success, and he has certainly done so – but at a cost. Thanks to back-to-back top draft picks stemming from two of the worst seasons in franchise history, Houston added shortstop Carlos Correa and Stanford right-hander Mark Appel. The team will also have the top pick in next June’s draft after losing 111 games last season.

According to reports, owner Jim Crane is understanding that fans are growing impatient with a poor quality big league club, and he and Luhnow are looking to address “some of those holes” during the offseason.

With the pieces falling into place, it won’t be long before Houston will re-emerge as a success story that began with a man willing to take the long road; one based on building from the ground up and looking for sustained success from within rather than throwing money at aging veterans.