Report: Houston Astros eyeing someone to help clean up messy offseason
NEW BLOOD?
08 September 2023
A lot was made of the Astros' decision to part ways with GM James Click after winning the World Series in 2022. At the time, there were rumors swirling about owner Jim Crane's interest in bringing back former Astros assistant GM David Stearns.
However, Stearns was under contract with the Brewers at the time, and wasn't available for the position even if the rumors were true. The Astros held off on hiring a new GM and made several head-scratching moves in free agency. Like signing 36-year-old Jose Abreu to a massive three-year contact worth almost $60 million.
Jeff Bagwell became the face of the Astros offseason, as he helped oversee the pursuit of Abreu in free agency. He's also taken some heat for the team re-signing Rafael Montero to a big contract. Fair or unfair, many blame Bagwell for Houston's disastrous offseason. Abreu is currently one of the worst hitters in baseball (6th worst OPS in MLB), and Montero has an ERA over 5.
Crane eventually hired current GM Dana Brown to lead the club moving forward. Here's where things get interesting. The Athletic is reporting this week that Stearns has been in contact with the Mets and Astros about a front office position. Houston currently does not have a President of Baseball Operations, so that could possibly be a role Crane is looking to fill.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the Astros' reported interest in Stearns, and discuss how a new power structure could impact the team, and current GM Dana Brown.
If you enjoy the videos, be sure to subscribe to SportsMap Houston's YouTube channel.
And listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.
How new wrinkles in Astros playoff aspirations open up opportunities, challenges
Sep 9, 2024, 5:01 pm
With 19 games left in the regular season, the Astros sit 4 1/2 games up on the Mariners as they get ready to host the Athletics on Tuesday.
One factor that's stayed consistent for the Astros in recent years, is their ability to step up their game against tough competition, and to play down to lesser teams like the Reds, who swept them last week.
Which is why we're not ready to say the 'Stros have punched their playoff ticket. Missing the postseason however would require a both a surge from the Mariners and a collapse from Houston.
But based on how the Astros have been pitching over the last month (Top 3 in ERA), you have to like their chances to finish strong and secure the division once again.
One of the big news items from the Diamondback series was the return of Kyle Tucker. Tucker didn't do a whole lot in the two games he played in, but having him back does give the Astros lineup a different feel.
With Tucker and Bregman both in the lineup, the Astros have a formidable Top 5. It will be interesting to see how Joe Espada juggles the lineup moving forward, and if he drops Tucker to the five spot in games they are facing a left-handed starter.
Speaking of Tucker and Bregman, we've had countless discussions about whether they will sign extensions with the Astros. In Bregman's case, the new contract Matt Chapman signed with the Giants will likely serve as a measuring stick (6-year, $151 million) for Bregman's next deal.
Don't miss the video above as we preview the playoff push, breakdown Tucker's return, and weigh the pros and cons of signing Bregman to a deal comparable to Chapman's.
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.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
