The Houston Astros are heading into the 2024 season with their window still open. Some seem to think the window is closed. Others choose to believe it's rolling up and will close soon. I think it can be held open for a bit longer. This upcoming season may be the beginning of the end, but I still have hope. Last time, I previewed the starting rotation. This time, I take a look at the lineup:

There are pending free agents if they aren't re-signed. Guys looking for either their first big payday, or their second. Some could end up leaving for one reason or another (mainly money). However it happens, there's always roster turnover. Usually it's at the middle or bottom because most teams lock up their top players. Some will let guys walk and take the draft pick compensation. Others will trade them to maximize their value.

When it comes to the Astros, they've been able to reload and reshape things while remaining competitive. Losing Martin Maldonado will indeed hurt the pitching staff most. He was a great teammate as well, but his woes at the plate, coupled with Yanier Diaz's ability to excel there, made him expendable. Michael Brantley most likely won't be back, and I'm okay with that move as well. Here's how I see the lineup for new manager Joe Espada looking to open the new season:

1. Jose Altuve
2. Alex Bregman
3. Yordan Alvarez
4. Kyle Tucker
5. Jose Abreu
6. Jeremy Pena
7. Yainer Diaz
8. Chas McCormick
9. Maurcio Dubon (We'll see about Dana Brown's endorsement of Jake Meyers).

This lineup is eerily similar to the one employed in the Twins playoff series. A few things may change. Free agents may come in and change things a bit. I highly doubt they spend any significant money, but you never know if they'll find a good deal or not. Positions five through nine are where we could/should see some movement.

Abreu is a solid vet, but his bat was nothing to be scared of in 2023. Pena is a guy who's moved up and down the lineup. I'd like to see him settle in somewhere. Diaz is the guy who could be an X factor for this team. In limited at-bats, he hit .282 with 23 homers. McCormick and Dubon have earned spots based off their play. They, too, could use more consistent playing time to get in a better groove.

Some will argue about placement up and down the lineup. Some may even have fantasies about adding guys from the bench, minors, or free agency. I'm dealing with the here and now. Again, this is my way too early look at what the lineup may be. We have a lot of time between now and Opening Day to flesh this out completely. Let me know what you think and send me your proposed lineups on Twitter.