If, by some miracle, Alex does get resigned then Paredes joins the LF rotation and it likely ends the offseason additions. Diaz, Caratini, Walker, Altuve, Bregman, Pena, Paredes, Alvarez, and Dubon are guaranteed roster spots, leaving 4 spots. Salazar, Singleton, McCormick, Meyers, Trammell, Dezenzo, Leon, Whitcomb, Melton, Hummell, Hamilton, and Corona are candidates. At least 2 and most likely all 4 are outfielders. I would: Give Meyers and McCormick roster spots due to the lack of CF options, general state of the roster, and defensive limitations of Alvarez and Paredes in LF but not guarantee them starting spots. Open competition between Dezenzo, Leon, and Whitcomb for a chance to start in RF. Melton could also win it but will need to be much better as he is not on the 40 man and likely will be better served by getting reps in AAA. If none win the job it defaults to Chas. The losers of that position battle plus Trammell, Hummel, Corona, and Singleton vie for the final position spot. Salazar and/or Singleton don't make the team unless Walker is hurt or Caratini is traded or hurt. I just don't think this team has the OF depth for that. Ideally Dezenzo and Leon are the final 2. Leon can start in RF and/or be a defensive replacement when needed for Alvarez, Paredes, or Dezenzo. Dezenzo can play LF when Alvarez and/or Peredes aren't, possibly start in RF, and brings a history of hitting well vs RHP. If both Dezenzo and Leon play well, it allows more freedom to keep Meyers on the bench (play Chas or maybe Leon) vs tough RHP matchups. Chas-LF, Meyers-CF, and Leon-RF is best defensive OF.
Me as well. I never like overpaying for a player that has career highs on their FA year. I don't think he lives up to that contract and will have years of under 20 HRs and still sub .240 avg. 3 years $50 I could see paying at best but even that's a stretch. Rather the Astros pay the extra $66 mil for 1 year for Bregman if that was still on the table.
Would the Astros last offer still be good. If Crane thought it was good value then, would he still thing it's good value now? We would have to reset next year if it were to happen. Would be easy since Abreu, Pressley, and Montero come off the books. Even if we pay Framber, we would be in pretty good position assuming one of our minor leaguers breaks out this season.
By rotating prospects through that 13th spot there is a chance to find a hidden gem and that is the only good reason to dump Singleton before Spring training. After Spring training is over we may have a different set of circumstances and Singleton would have a harder time finding a suitor. Keeping Singleton hanging on keeps an option open for the Astros but may leave him without a place to play in the end.
I believe the Astros as they are currently positioned are uninterested in any player that puts them over the competitive balance tax.
I agree but Crane has never been shy about pulling the trigger on someone he really wants. I don't think he will let one year of tax get in the way of contending especially if there is a clear path next year of getting under.
Really the only avenue for Singleton playing is to DH against righties when Yordan is in LF and Diaz in at C. Then of course you have the late game PH option. Not going to be many opportunities for him at 1B with a 3-time gold glover soaking up 150+ games...
Really is. As much as I would have liked to have him, I wouldn't have offered more than 3-4 years. At the moment, that's the ideal situation. He gets back to being 2023 Chas with the bat would be awesome. It's not quite a big "IF"...but it's a medium "if".
