So can expectations for the offseason be tempered? Feels like the pipe dream of Crane spending big to compete was just that. Probably just Verlander and trade for an arm now
$4M isn't chump change when you are dealing on the margins like Crane wants. Dubon was blocking PT from guys that need it and we know that Espada would play him over other guys given the opportunity.
That’s what I’m saying. Feels like he’s going to do everything to stay under the tax. Maybe I’m wrong
Underrated element of this is that Dubon was a favorite in the clubhouse so Espada was probably tempted to play him more than he deserved. This removes that temptation.
I step away for a few hours and Dubi is gone. Allen seems like another Zak short, is there reason to believe he'll make the opening day roster?
He’s 25 and a super k machine. Not a high ranking prospect. I want to see a real hitter added to the outfield.
There absolutely is reason to believe he will make OD roster. No options and super cheap Only SS to be top 3 in MLB in nothing OAA and DRS. Value getting Altuve off his feet 3-4 innings per week.
I want to see a guy like Donovan playing in the OF. I liked what I saw from Cole last year despite the SO's.
If that's the case I hope he's our 13th position player. I just read shortstop but it makes sense he can handle 2nd base as well.
They want to free up money. They freed up 4-5 million moving Dubon. They freed up another 5 million with Urias. They also saved like 2-3 million with Chas. Thats about $10,000,00i freed up in 2026 salary and don’t be at all shocked when more is freed up. The Astros have Melton, Cole, Matthews and others that offer more upside than Dubon, Urias or Chas. Pena really has a chance to be gone if someone steps up. The Astros will spend money on the right players.
Let’s say Houston after trading Sanchez and Meyers adds a ToR SP, a 7th inning RP, and a backup C with trades using prospects and/or NRI signings, giving them ~$30M to spend on the free agent market for an OF and a SP. Which combo would you choose: A: Cody Bellinger and Andrew Heaney B: Ryan O’Hearn and Max Scherzer C: Cedric Mullins and Justin Verlander D: Michael Conforto and Michael King