Fansided

3 free agents the Astros need to call now that MLB lockout is over

By Tim Boyle

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 09: A Houston Astros hat in the dugout before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 9, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 09: A Houston Astros hat in the dugout before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 9, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Houston Astros
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Brad Hand #52 of the New York Mets pitches during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on September 17, 2021 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1. Brad Hand

A lot of what was said about Chafin could be said about Brad Hand. He’s another left-handed free agent reliever that would look good playing for the Astros. He’s in a bit of a unique position. Last year wasn’t so great for the once-coveted closer. He combined to go 6-5 with a 3.38 ERA during his three stops with the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets.

Hand is one of those candidates we could see sign a deal and hope he earns a spot to close. He has successfully saved plenty of games in the recent past. A three-time All-Star and the 2020 saves leader with 16, he may have more phone calls than most fans realize.

I hope he has his charger handy.

Hand could give the Astros some closer insurance behind Ryan Pressly. Far less experienced in the role than Hand, Pressly’s 2021 performance should be good enough for the club to keep him there to start the season.

But what’s wrong with a little friendly competition?

The kind of contract Hand should be looking for is one where he can regain some credibility. The Astros can certainly provide this. Even if he never gets a save opportunity, Hand can have a second-life as a high-leverage setup man.

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