Fansided

Astros: 3 players who can still return to Houston after lockout

By Ethan Lee

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 29: Luis Garcia #77 of the Houston Astros gets a mound visit from Brent Strom #56 during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in Game Three of the World Series at Truist Park on October 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 29: Luis Garcia #77 of the Houston Astros gets a mound visit from Brent Strom #56 during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in Game Three of the World Series at Truist Park on October 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
May 21, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Drew Butera (16) points to the outfield after a throw by right fielder Jose Rojas (18) to tag out Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman (26) at home during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Drew Butera (16) points to the outfield after a throw by right fielder Jose Rojas (18) to tag out Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman (26) at home during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Houston Astros need to address a few things in free agency. Why not find a way to bring back a few guys who were recently on the roster?

As the Houston Astros navigate free agency and try to find a way back to the World Series, there are still some big needs that must be addressed. The MLB lockout is complicating matters, but Houston still has a talented roster and could be an ideal destination for players who want to compete for a championship sooner rather than later.

Luckily for Houston, the Astros are familiar with some talented guys who might be seeking a way to get a World Series ring. It’s entirely possible that Houston could have some opportunities to bring back some familiar faces next year.

Here are three free agents who could return to Houston once the MLB lockout wraps up.

Houston Astros free agency: Three free agents who could return to Houston after MLB lockout

Drew Butera

While he’s not a gamechanger and he’s getting up there in age, Drew Butera could conceivably make a return to the Astros organization. Butera technically wasn’t with the Astros this past season, but he did sign a minor league contract with Houston in August.

There’s no guarantee that Butera will return to Houston, but it might be one of his final shots to make it back to the big leagues. Butera, a member of the Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series team, would potentially be a decent addition for depth purposes at catcher if the Astros could get him for a bargain.

The biggest question is would the Astros be interested in bringing Butera into their organization for any serious amount of time? Would they be willing to take a gamble on a 38-year-old catcher whose batting average sits below .200 for his career?

Home/Houston Astros