The Astros wanted to get him signed so they do not go into the offseason needing to fill holes all around the diamond. The amount is about what I expected he could get on the market so it benefits both Gurriel and the Astros to get it done. They also have Maldonado back next year at a very affordable 3.5 million. They have: Springer, Brantley, Reddick, Peacock all free agents, and Osuna will not be tendered arbitration. They have about $120 million in commitments before arbitration amounts (includes Gurriel). Almost 70 million of that is to Greinke and Verlander. I don't know if Verlander's deal is partially insured for injury, if so that will change the math some.
I wonder where they expect the payroll limit to fall. Total back of the envelope guess I think they only actually lost ~$30M this season. If they expect things to get totally back to normal that would mean they could have ~$170M payroll and be back where they originally projected from a P&L standpoint. My guess is they have about $40M to spend on guys not already under control after the Gurriel deal.
I think that is a fair guess as well. If they are doing really well at the deadline, they may go over that. I will be curious to see what the Astros do... they need another starting pitcher near the top of their rotation, they need at least one good outfielder and ideally another reliever....
Didnt even see or know this til after I celebrate the Astros victory today. This has been a good day. El Yuli forever.
