MLB free agency: One player each team should sign

MLB free agency: One free agent each team should sign

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 26: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 26, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Houston Astros: Jake Arrieta

The direction the Astros take this offseason will depend on how their playoff run goes this October. Houston has a dangerous lineup, but their World Series hopes hinge on their starting rotation.Trading for Justin Verlander helped solve some of their problems, but Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers are both still question marks.

Keuchel and McCullers could go on a roll in the postseason and make this a moot point, but the only part of their roster that needs attention this winter is the starting rotation. Both Keuchel and McCullers have durability concerns. McCullers still may be more suited for a bullpen role due to the violence with which he throws his curveball.

Texas native Jake Arrieta is the best starting pitcher available this offseason, and the Astros will have to consider him. Houston had an aggressive plan for their winter last year and landed Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Charlie Morton and Brian McCann in rapid succession early in the Hot Stove session.

Arrieta has battled injuries and command issues this season, but had his issues figured out before a hamstring injury threatened his status for the postseason. Houston will not need to spend on any position in their lineup, but should have the means to make a run at Arrieta.

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