Astros: 3 free agent targets to help them repeat as World Series Champions
By Tim Boyle
The Houston Astros are winners of the 2022 World Series and will look to repeat in 2023.
The next step for the Houston Astros after winning the 2022 World Series is to celebrate. Once the champagne stops flowing, the front office can turn its attention to free agency where they’ll have some big decisions to make.
The Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six after sweeping the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees prior. It was an amazing run for a talented team. They’ll still need to reload this winter.
Seeking a title defense, the Astros can begin the journey by looking at these three free agent targets.
1) Astros free agent target: Carlos Rodon
Yes, keeping Justin Verlander is a good idea. But how long is that going to last? He’s getting older. The Astros need to begin getting younger.
Pivoting to Carlos Rodon as a Justin Verlander replacement would be a smart move for Houston. They can proceed forward with him on the roster and look to solidify themselves as a dynasty even further.
Rodon is an opt-out candidate who wrapped up a strong season with the San Francisco Giants where he was an All-Star for the second-straight year. Because he was signed to a “prove it” deal with San Francisco and did more than prove himself, everyone should prepare for him to hit the free agent market and potentially get the highest contract of anyone in terms of overall value.
The Astros should be a threat to steal plenty of quality players from free agency. Inking Rodon, even with the loss of Verlander, is a power move to help them retain their spot atop the American League and maybe beyond.