MLB Hot Stove Houston Astros

MLB Hot Stove: Houston Astros preview

By Jason Evans | Dec 6, 2015

Jun 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates with third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 13, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (9) at bat in the fourth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

If you’re going to be a good team, you’re going to need to use your bench to help. The Astros were able to use that bench last season.

Hank Conger and Jason Castro platooned at catcher. Max Stassi may find himself in the backup role after the Conger deal.

Jed Lowrie, when healthy was a part of the infield, but he was dealt back to the Oakland A’s. Marwin Gonzalez will now be the utility infielder. They could go with Matt Duffy or Nolan Fontana as a backup or dip into the free agent market.

The Astros are quite deep in the outfield. Jake Marisnick and rookie Preston Tucker got a good amount of playing time due to injuries and could find themselves in a backup role again this season.

The Astros came into their own last season and should be good yet again in 2016. The AL West will be difficult. The Texas Rangers are good. The Los Angeles Angels have Mike Trout. The Seattle Mariners are being retooled and the Oakland A’s are always a wild card.

With a couple of additions (especially in the bullpen) and full seasons from McCullers, Gomez and Correa, they could find themselves in the playoffs in back to back seasons.

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