RUN IT BACK
Free agents heavily in the mix for Astros post-José Abreu signing
Nov 29, 2022, 1:39 pm
Don't be surprised if Yuli Gurriel returns to Houston. Composite image by Brandon Strange.
Truth, solutions and post-deadline drama ahead for Houston Astros
The Houston Astros made a big splash in free agency, landing former Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu to a three-year deal.
Abreu’s signing sent a clear signal to the rest of Major League Baseball, the Astros want to stay atop the American League and compete for more world championships. Houston owner Jim Crane didn’t mince his words in Tuesday’s introduction press conference, the Astros expect to get back to the World Series.
Abreu, who spent his first nine years with the White Sox, said he joined Houston because he wants to be a part of a family and have a chance to win a championship. The 2020 AL Most Valuable Player posted .304/.378/.446 with 15 home runs in 2022.
One of the key pillars to Houston’s family culture over the years has been first baseman Yuli Gurriel. While the signing of Abreu ends Gurriel’s tenure as the Astros’ first baseman, and likely his time in Houston altogether, Crane said the team will be in communication with him as the free agency period continues.
In a perfect world, the Astros should bring back Gurriel. Abreu said he has a lot of respect for him and acknowledged his role in creating the Astros’ culture that drew him to the team in the first place.
The reason to bring back Gurriel goes beyond him being a first baseman. That ship has sailed, but having a key figure in the clubhouse, and potentially using his bat in a designated hitter role, warrants keeping that door open. He also would add depth to the Astros.
While Gurriel’s injury in the World Series ultimately didn’t hurt Houston, it did leave the Astros with Trey Mancini taking over first base in Game Six. While Mancini rose to the occasion, it should not be something Houston banks on if it can avoid it.
Gurriel struggled throughout the 2022 regular season, posting .242/.288/.360, but he shined in the postseason, playing a big role in Houston’s World Series run. His numbers rose to .347/.360/.490 throughout the 2022 playoffs, one of the best postseason runs in his career.
Gurriel and pitcher Jusitn Verlander are still in the mix, Crane said on Tuesday. He also believes the Astros have room to improve, mainly at catcher and in the outfield. Houston can also never have enough pitching, Crane added. The Astros can never have too many bats either.
With Houston’s mindset at championship or bust, bringing back Gurriel as a DH option along with his role in the clubhouse makes sense for the Astros at the right price. If both sides can reach that mutual ground, which would also require Gurriel to accept a lesser role on top of the right deal, it is a no-brainer. How realistic that is, is a different story.
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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