How wild MLB offseason, debacles underline Astros ever-diverging core principles

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The New York Mets have sent shockwaves through MLB this offseason with their aggressive approach to free agency. The addition of Carlos Correa sparked a conversation about how teams are trying to catch the Astros, but is this tactic of team building viable long-term?

Be sure to check out the video above as we debate whether teams will begin employing a model similar to the Mets, or if their style of team building will continue to be an outlier and the Astros approach to free agency and player development is really the best plan of action.

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Which team should concern the Astros the most? Composite Getty Image.

With only a dozen games left in the regular season, the playoff matchups the Astros could find themselves in are becoming clear.

It's looking more likely that Houston will be hosting either the Tigers, Twins, or Mariners.

Out of these three teams, which club gives the Astros the best chance to move on to the next round?

The Twins may have a winning record (4-2) against the 'Stros this season, but over the last 30 days, they haven't been playing well.

They are 28th in team ERA (4.96), and 21st in team OPS (.676). The Mariners and Tigers are much better than Minnesota in both categories. It's important to pay attention to how teams are playing as the regular season comes to an end.

But there are other factors to consider. Carlos Correa is back from injury, and the Twins have some big arms that have given the Astros trouble in the past.

This is one video you don't want to miss as we examine the Astros potential playoff matchups and try to determine which team would give Houston the best shot to advance to the divisional series.

*Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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