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

By Ethan Lee | Dec 8, 2021

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) /

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Zach Greinke (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Zack Greinke

While it seems likely that Zack Greinke could end up elsewhere in free agency, it doesn’t appear as if he’s found a destination just yet. Would Greinke be interested in coming back to the Astros and attempting to get back to the World Series once more?

The 38-year-old pitcher is beloved by fans in Houston and even if he isn’t the pitcher he once was, he’s almost certainly a solid addition to the Astros’ starting pitching rotation, assuming he is still healthy once the postseason rolls around.

With the starting pitching depth Houston has been working to build, there’s definitely a path for the Astros to help Greinke stay rested throughout the regular season.

Greinke’s age might be a factor the Astros need to consider, but it’s definitely a factor other teams are already considering. Should Greinke be unable to find another team that would be willing to take a shot on him, it would be foolish for the Astros to not negotiate some sort of deal (maybe even a short-term deal similar in structure to Justin Verlander’s) with the veteran pitcher.

The Astros ran into some major issues in this recent run to the World Series due to injured starting pitchers and being forced to rely on some young arms. Getting Greinke back could potentially be a solid addition, assuming he’s even interested that is.

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