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Astros: 3 free agent targets to help them repeat as World Series Champions

By Tim Boyle

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros holds up the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 in Game Six to win the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros holds up the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 in Game Six to win the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Houston Astros
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 23: Josh Bell #24 of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI double during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game five of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2) Astros free agent target: Josh Bell

Yulieski Gurriel may have played his last game with the Astros. The longtime first baseman is getting older and coming off of a poor regular season for the team. Where do they go next? Sticking with the theme of younger players, Josh Bell is someone to consider.

It was a tale of two seasons for Bell in 2022. He slashed .301/.384/.493 for the Washington Nationals in 437 trips to the plate. With the San Diego Padres, in 210 plate appearances, Bell was a .192/.316/.271 hitter. To avert some fear, Bell’s overall totals included a .266/.362/.422 slash line which compares closely to his lifetime .262/.361/.459 numbers. Due in large part to the power outage with the Padres, his numbers sank.

The Astros haven’t been particularly boisterous with free agent signings in the recent past. They retain some of their core players and seek complimentary pieces. Nothing should change. The formula has worked out well.

Bell, who turned 30 in August, is a first baseman and occasional corner outfield option for the team to sign and get the most out of. Although he doesn’t fit the mold of the most elite first basemen in the league, such as a Paul Goldschmidt, he’s an affordable piece the Astros could buy somewhat low on.

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