Texans Free Agency: Day One
Jermaine Every: Texans frugally fill holes on roster
Mar 14, 2018, 6:00 pm
Seantrel Henderson said goodbye to the Bills and hello to the Texans. Leon Halip/Getty Images
The Houston Texans had approximately $60 million dollars in salary cap space to spend this offseason. The fact that they’re extremely limited on draft picks and have a ton of holes to fill, it makes free agent signings that much more critical to putting a winner on the field every Sunday. They need to be more Jose Altuve when signing guys as opposed to Brian McCann. With Day One of the free agent signing period nearing it’s end, here’s a look at the Texans’ haul so far:
Offensive Guard Senio Kelemete
I wrote about this move mid-February and guesstimated a deal averaging $2.5-3.5 million per. They signed him to a three-year deal worth $12 million dollars, with $5.5 million guaranteed. Kelemete was versatile as a backup for the New Orleans Saints. At 27 years old entering his sixth season, this was a very low-risk, high-reward signing that should pan out for the Texans. Literally anything would’ve been better than Xavier Su’a-Filo! I expect Kelemete to step in and start from day one at guard, but he’s also had some experience playing tackle.
Offensive Guard Zach Fulton
While it’s being widely reported, this signing isn’t official as of yet, but could soon be. But I find it hard to believe that another team will swoop in and sign Fulton to a better deal than the reported $7.5 million dollar per year average the Texans are reportedly offering. Fulton performed well as a Kansas City Chief in four seasons. At 27 years old, Fulton has room to grow and improve much like Kelemete. This signing, along with Kelemete, shored up the guard position.
Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson
Henderson was once the No. 1 high school football recruit in the country when he committed to the University of Miami out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He’s 26 years old entering his fifth season. Henderson was drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills because he admitted to using marijuana to help cope with the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. G.M. Brian Gaine knows Henderson from his time in Buffalo, so I’m confident he wouldn’t have signed Henderson had he felt this would be an issue. The one year deal worth up to $4 million dollars shows it’s more of a “prove it” deal, than a vote of confidence long-term deal. Again, anything would’ve been better than Chris Clark.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin
Cornerback was another position of need for the Texans. Perhaps it was exacerbated by the Jacksonville Jaguars signing former Texan A.J. Bouye last offseason, so they returned the favor by signing former Jag Colvin…? Definitely not an even exchange of talent, but an improvement in a position of need nonetheless. Colvin is 26 years old entering his fifth season, but has ZERO career interceptions! This isn’t indicative of his playmaking ability because he could’ve been asked to do some different things. However, it is alarming for the position. The four year deal is worth up to $34 million dollars with $18 million guaranteed. Colvin will be a welcomed addition if the pass rush is up to par.
The day isn’t over, neither is free agency. There are also the designated June 1 cuts which could provide more solid vets to hit the market. Another defensive back, offensive lineman, backup quarterback, linebacker depth, running back, and wide receiver are still needed. There’s more work to do for sure. But this was a good start to a disadvantaged offseason. Being frugal has its advantages, especially when you spend low and get a high return on an investment.
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Jul 26, 2024, 2:42 pm
With Tuesday’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Astros will look to add the necessary pieces to sustain their recent winning ways and make another playoff run this season.
It's no secret Houston is in need of rotation help with players such as J.P. France, Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy all needing season-ending surgeries. Even considering the presumptive returns of Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia in some capacity, it would behoove the Astros to acquire more pitching options to help solidify their rotation.
General manager Dana Brown has made it clear he will be looking to add both starting pitchers and players who can play first base.
Astros fans should expect their team to make a move or two by Tuesday’s deadline, just as they have done in years past.
Zach Eflin
Recent reports suggest the Astros are one of several teams interested in Rays’ pitcher Zach Eflin who has a 5-7 record and 4.09 ERA this season.
The 30-year-old signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Rays prior to the 2023 season and would be an affordable option for the Astros if they were to acquire him.
Although the Rays have a 52-51 record, it doesn't seem like they will become buyers at the trade deadline and could sell off some of their pieces while staying competitive.
Historically speaking, Tampa Bay has never been afraid to let their higher level pitchers go as they did with Blake Snell prior to the 2021 season and Tyler Glasnow during this past offseason
The Rays have multiple pitchers returning from injuries and can afford to let someone like Eflin go.
The only pause the Astros might have is the asking price in return from the Rays. If this is the case, there are other short-term pitching options the Astros could look to instead.
Jack Flaherty
The Tigers are stuck in the middle between good and bad and don’t seem to be playoff contenders this season, making them an ideal candidate to become sellers at the trade deadline.
One of the biggest names on the trading block recently has been Jack Flaherty who has a 7-5 record with a 2.92 ERA and 133 strikeouts this season.
Considering he's a free agent at the end of the year, it shouldn’t cost the Astros much in return to acquire the Tigers' pitcher.
Houston has not been directly linked to the 28-year-old, but he could be a low-risk, high-reward rotation piece.
Flaherty could be a perfect number 3 or 4 option in the rotation behind Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco and Hunter Brown.
Yusei Kikuchi
Similarly to Flaherty, Yusei Kikuchi is on a Blue Jays team with little to no playoff hopes this year and is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
Toronto has already hinted at becoming sellers at the trade deadline and could look to offset many of their impending free agents.
Kikuchi’s record at 4-9 and 4.54 ERA might not be impressive, but he does have 133 strikeouts this season and can be a reliable back end of the rotation piece for the Astros if acquired.
Adding a starting pitcher is certainly a priority, but Houston will also scour the market for first base options as well.
Isaac Paredes
The Astros have been connected to Rays’ infielder Isaac Parades in the last few days and it seems to make sense for both sides.
As mentioned earlier, Tampa Bay is in an interesting situation this season and could become pseudo sellers by the deadline.
The Rays have a plethora of infielders in their origination and can afford to trade someone like Parades and still remain competitive.
The 25-year-old can play first or third base, and has been used as a designated hitter this season as well. Parades has a slash line of .250/.353 /.797 and could be an improvement at first base over Jon Singleton.
Acquiring him could be affordable as his salary is only $3.4MM this year. Parades has three additional years of club control, and his defensive versatility could make him a perfect long-term addition to this Astros’ roster.
Brent Rooker
This one might be a stretch, but would it be shocking to see the A’s let go of one of their best players? The answer is no. Brent Rooker has had a remarkable season, hitting near .300 and becoming one of Oakland’s most consistent bats in their lineup.
The 29-year-old has been the A’s primary designated hitter this season, but has the ability to play both corner outfield positions as well.
Even though Houston doesn't need another DH/outfielder, Rooker's bat would be an upgrade in the lineup and could give the Astros another weapon to add to their offensive arsenal.
Although not as likely as the other candidates mentioned, Rooker would be a more realistic and cheaper option to acquire than someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Honorable Mentions
Starting pitchers Jameson Taillon (Cubs) and Erick Fedde (White Sox) have been linked to the Astros recently, and either would be an ideal fit.
Both players would add necessary pitching depth, and either could fit in seamlessly as a 4th or 5th starter in the rotation.
Needless to say, Houston seems to be casting a wide net to increase their odds of landing someone who can help the team immediately.
An ideal scenario would be for the Astros to acquire at least one pitcher and use a six-man rotation once Verlanader and Garcia come back at some point this year.
It would be beneficial for the Astros to acquire an extra starting pitcher or two to add to their rotation and maybe another option who can play first base as well to ensure this team continues to improve and make another run at the postseason this year.