The Houston Astros did a really good job of ensuring that their top players were under contract going into 2024. But they still needed to make offseason moves to ensure they could contend again and to ensure long-term success.
The Astros did both with two signings.
First, the Astros extended their face of the franchise, Jose Altuve, for five more years at $125 million. In doing so he’ll make more for his career than any second baseman in baseball history and just about locks Altuve in to being an Astro for life, which will depend on whether he wants to play beyond the deal.
Altuve is still playing at an All-Star level and has more than 2,000 career hits.
The other signing was a surprise, as the Astros locked down the best free-agent closer on the market, Josh Hader, to a five-year, $95 million deal.
With that, the Astros displaced Ryan Pressley into a set-up role. But with the pair, along with Bryan Abreu, Houston has potentially the best lineup of seventh-, eighth- and ninth-inning relievers in the game. It’s one of the biggest impact signings of the offseason and the Astros waiting until February to make it.
The Astros didn’t have to do much offensively, as their entire lineup was locked in for 2024. Their only notable position player addition was catcher Victor Caratini, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal to serve as Yainer Diaz’s backup.
The Astros didn’t lose much. Outfielder Michael Brantley retired. Catcher Martín Maldonado signed with the Chicago White Sox with the Astros’ commitment to Diaz. Relievers Phil Maton, Hector Neris and Ryne Stanek all signed elsewhere. Losing those three could be the biggest hole the Astros have to address, but they have candidates.
The Astros enter this season with a high offseason grade, even though they didn’t make many big moves. But, there is one thing that could send the grade higher — Blake Snell. If the Astros make the reports of their interest in the two-time Cy Young winner come true, well then change that grade to an A+.
Offseason Grade: A-
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