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5 offseason moves the Houston Astros can make to get back to the World Series

By Joshua Sadlock

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros watches a two-run home run by Howie Kendrick (not pictured) of the Washington Nationals hit the foul pole during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros watches a two-run home run by Howie Kendrick (not pictured) of the Washington Nationals hit the foul pole during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 26: Jose Urquidy #65 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning in Game Four of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 26: Jose Urquidy #65 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning in Game Four of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Find value for to round out the rotation

Houston’s big three gets all the headlines when it comes to the starting rotation, but the Astros have also excelled at unearthing hidden gems to round out the back end. Chalk it up to spin rate and analytics, but no one thought that Charlie Morton would deliver All-Star results after the Astros signed him to a two-year, $14-million deal coming off a 2016 season where he made four starts before missing the rest of the year with a torn hamstring. Or Wade Miley, signed to a $4.5-million contract last winter, who had a 3.06 ERA at the end of August before ending the year on a down note.

If the Astros sign a veteran starting pitcher, it’s for a good reason — they believe there is untapped value to be found with just a few bullpen sessions. Their track record really is uncanny, and there’s no reason to expect they’ll go another offseason without pulling another starter off the scrap heap and breathing life into his career.

Looking at this year’s list of mid-range starters on the open market, a few names stand out as potential candidates for the Astros, should they fail to re-sign Gerrit Cole or land another big name. If the Atlanta Braves decline their option on right-hander Julio Teheran, the Astros should be all over the 28-year-old, who is due for a change of scenery. Rick Porcello is another candidate to be revitalized, coming off three straight underwhelming years after his surprise Cy Young win in 2016. The Astros could also take a look at Homer Bailey, who is finally healthy after battling injuries for the better part of his career.

There are also internal options for the Astros to mull over past their locked-in top pair of Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke. Jose Urquidy was impressive in his World Series start, while Lance McCullers will be back from Tommy John next year. Top prospect Forrest Whitley is coming off a disappointing season in the minors, but is another name to consider for next season’s rotation.

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