Fansided

One free agent each MLB team should sign right now

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 22: Adam Lind #26 of the Washington Nationals batting during the Washington Nationals Vs New York Mets MLB regular season game at Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 22: Adam Lind #26 of the Washington Nationals batting during the Washington Nationals Vs New York Mets MLB regular season game at Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Houston Astros: Adam Lind

It’s damn near impossible to find a weakness on the current Astros roster, and there isn’t really much reason to mess with perfection. Houston does not need to make a splashy signing for a starter like Jake Arrieta. They have not five, but seven, capable starting pitchers. The bullpen will only get more dominant when Brad Peacock or Colin McHugh move into a swingman role.

If there is hole that still needs to be filled before the start of the season for the Astros, it’s the elder statesman role played by Carlos Beltran last season. Beltran rode off into retirement after winning his first World Series title. Matt Holliday has a similar profile, but doesn’t really fit for the Astros because he swings from the right side. Houston already has Evan Gattis to take their right-handed at-bats at DH.

A left-handed bat would not be the worst addition for the Astros as they head into the 2018 season. Veteran Adam Lind is no longer a full-time player, but should be able to give himself a few more years in the big leagues by sliding into a platoon DH role. He spent last season with the Washington Nationals, hitting .303/.62/.513 with 14 doubles, 14 home runs and 59 RBI in only 301 plate appearances.

Lind can provide instant offense off the bench without needing much playing time to stay sharp. He hit .356/.396/.644 as a pinch-hitter last year. Lind would have to take a slightly lesser role with the Astros, but it would give him a chance to play for a winner and take at-bats in the deepest lineup in the league.

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