HOT STOVE
Astros reportedly "ultra aggressive" in pursuit of free agent
Nov 18, 2021, 5:32 pm
James Click is doing some wheeling and dealing. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
The Astros shocked us yesterday when they were able to re-sign Justin Verlander and fortify their starting rotation after JV declined the qualifying offer. Many fans are wondering if the Verlander signing will be the only "big name" free agent bullet James Click fires this offseason.
Now that the Houston #Astros have Justin Verlander back, they are being ultra aggressive in their pursuit of free-agent center fielder Starling Marte.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 18, 2021
According to Bob Nightengale, don't be surprised if the Astros land another significant free agent. We heard rumors of the Astros' interest in outfielder Starling Marte over the weekend, but multiple teams have been hot and heavy over the idea of signing Marte.
Apparently the Astros are still interested in signing the speedy outfielder with Nightengale reporting that the Astros are being "ultra aggressive" in their pursuit of Marte, even after the Verlander signing.
It's hard not to like what Astros GM James Click and owner Jim Crane are doing this offseason. Losing Carlos Correa seems to be a forgone conclusion, but the Astros appear willing to take some big swings in free agency and find a way to replace some of his production.
The sticking point with Marte might come down to how many years he wants on his deal. It's hard to imagine the Astros will want to sign him for more than 3 years, considering Marte is 33 years old. Either way, the Astros are just getting started in free agency, and that's all Astros fans can ask for. Also, don't be surprised if the Astros add some relief pitching in the coming days. Click mentioned the bullpen as an area he would like to improve this offseason. Which makes sense considering Yimi Garcia and Kendall Graveman are free agents.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.