John McMullens thought the same thing about Jim Clancy and Nolan Ryan. I do believe in Jose Urquidy in being very solid. But I believe in JV being ELITE.
I would be ok with signing Abreu for two years Buts let’s be honest here JV was the best pitcher in the AL Abreu was an average at best hitter. The power isn’t there anymore, he isn’t the elite guy everyone thinks of when they hear his name
I say JV or nobody on the pitching side. I also think that if JV goes somewhere else Crane will only authorize about 50% of that money for anyone else
I'm signing Josh Bell for 4yrs switch hitter with power nugf said. I would also like Andrew Benintendi and do what ever from there with the pitching. I think those two players add hitting on the reg and power when needed
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/mlb-trade-rumors-top-50-free-agents-predictions-2022-23.html Free agents with Astros mentions: Verlander, Nimmo, Contreras, Bell, Abreu, Rizzo, Taylor Rogers, Brantley, Justin Turner
The options on the market just aren’t that great. There are surely some upgrades, but the million dollar question will be how much…and I think most of these players are not going to worth the massive payday in store. Several will be overpaid this time next year, so it’s a balancing act for sure, but that’s how every FA market goes I suppose. Abreu will be 37 by the start of next year. Bell is good but did struggle this past year and is far from a sure thing. Rizzo is good but not great…the only external FA piece who really fits and would be an upgrade is Nimmo…the rest of the CF crop is meh. In the corner spots, it’s Brantley, Benitendi, and Haniger? I mean good players…but it’s not like we can just go out and add a sure fire all star, sans JV…maybe Contreras but I don’t want to invest a significant amount in him. I’m guessing our best moves might be via trade and perhaps best suited closer to the deadline…but we will see. We have holes to fill and money to spend…I just don’t love the market options where our needs are. I would prefer JV 2/40, 3rd year mutual option…bring back Montero and Brantley, spring invite some 1B fliers to fight it out with Yuli and Yanier, and go after a 1B at the deadline if necessary. But i wouldn’t back up the brinks truck for any of Rizzo/Bell/Abreu (unless it’s Bryan)
His 34 BB and 152 SO is a really bad ratio for a team built around getting on base when not hitting homers.
I meant 2/80, or something along those lines. If we’re hesitant to add the guaranteed 3rd year, the AAV is going to have to hurt, but I think that’s fair given his production and market demand
Contreras Bell Benintendi is what I would aim for. I would look at Longoria or Turner off the bench aswell
Bells inconsistencies are a concern. Whoever is solid and consistent is what we need at this point. We will almost assuredly be in the post season and dudes going on abysmal stretches is my biggest concern.
Abreu is currently 35 and turns 36 in January. He has been very consistent, even as he has aged, he is a quintessential professional hitter. He would help us tremendously.
Let’s say 65.. JV- 38 (3 years, 4th option) Abreu/Bell - 17 Brantley - 10 although I think crane will go over the tax for verlander. also intrigued by conforto and Contreras, but think I would rather the ones above. If no Verlander we can do something like conforto, Contreras, and maybe another pitcher or something…
