Don't really have an opinion on the money. Just want to draw attention to how awesome it is to have Javier, Framber, and Urquidy for 3 more years, Garcia and McCullers for 4 more years, and Brown sitting in the wings. I'm sure there will be injuries, maybe trades, and free agent signings, but that is one strong rotation going forward with guys flexible enough to start or become ace relievers in the postseason. No need to add any starters except an ace and maybe a guy that can be stashed in AAA.
Zunino had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Not sure I want to be the team to gamble on that even if he is cheap. One article I saw wasn't sure if he would be ready for spring training.
I'd love a JV for life rolling contract where he inserts a year based on his previous year's performance and retains his players option for the following season at $25M. S a Cy year get's him $43 for 23 for one year plus the $25M player option he can exercise if he has a problem. Next year we do the same. and next year and next year etc.
I suspect Mancini only returns if we part ways with Gurriel or Brantley and a "full time" position opens up.
Name ( age) McCullers(28) controlled -2026 Framber (28) -2025 Urquidy (27) -2025 Javier (25) -2025 Luis Garcia (25) - 2026 Brown (23) - 2028 Pressly (33) - 2025 S.Martinez (27) - 2027 Paredes (26) - 2026 Mushinski (26) - 2028 B.Taylor (26) - 2025 Abreu (25) - 2026.
I love the guy but he is already 35, and the only reason the Astros even got him from Cleveland was prior injury history. Team also has too many guys who may need time at DH due to questions in the field than giving those AB to aging Brantley.
I think both Gurriel and Brantley would be worth bringing back at the right price. If Houston believes one of Diaz, Matijevic, or Jones can be a good everyday 1B next season then Gurriel might make sense as a bench bat who can back up 1B, 2B, and 3B (essentially an Aledmys Diaz replacement) and insurance against the young 1B not cutting it. Something like $5M/1yr with $2-3M in PA incentives. For Brantley, he makes sense if Houston thinks he can still be an everyday bat and he is willing to take a big pay cut. Something like $10M/1yr plus $2M pa incentives with a double ended 2nd year option (like $6M player option or $16M team option). 2B Altuve RF Tucker 3B Bregman DH Alvarez 1B Y Diaz LF Brantley CF McCormick SS Pena C Maldonado I’m ok with that lineup if the Astros think Diaz will be an elite hitter.
Diaz and Hensley both need to find a role. It appears Hensley is being groomed for A Diaz Super Utility role with Dubon as backup.
With Dubon able to serve as the primary backup at both CF and SS, they will have a lot of flexibility in stocking the rest of their bench. Basically they can choose the best players regardless of their defensive position. Any 2 out of Diaz, Hensley, Matijevic, Meyers, Jones, Julks, Leon, and Dirden could be on the bench with Dubon and a catcher.
Only is Dusty retires, he’ll roll out Yuli at first base regardless of how terrible his bat has been.
Want less than zero part of bringing back Yuli. It’s a terrible terrible horrible no good idea. If he’s here he will play too much. He is a black hole at the most important offensive position in the game and $5M is too much for a utility guy that isn’t elite at being a utility guy. Hard pass.
Dubon should not be on the roster next year. He’s proven he’s a Mendoza player , no occasional power even, and his defense is ok - not that great. Rather they promote someone from the farm
His hitting, while bad, is somewhat moot. Guys who can adequately defend CF/SS/2B don't grow on trees. I'd also hope for a bounce back in his bat to just below average.
