Astros enter offseason with many questions after getting swept.
Astros enter offseason with many questions after getting swept
By David Hill | Last updated 10/2/24
The Houston Astros postseason is over almost as soon as it began.
The Tigers’ four-run eighth inning against vaunted relievers Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader led to a 5-2 defeat . Light-hitting utility man Andy Ibanez had the decisive blow, a bases-loaded triple to propel the Tigers to victory and a two-game sweep. This sweep marked the first time since 2016 that the Astros did not advance to the ALCS.
As the offseason approaches, the Astros find themselves at a crossroads.
Third baseman Alex Bregman is slated for free agency, but Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported that there is mutual interest in working out a contract. 41-year-old pitcher Justin Verlander is also a free agent, struggling to a 5.48 ERA and a 1.384 WHiP as he battled injuries. While Verlander is not ready to retire, via Yahoo Sports, it’s fair to wonder what is left in the tank. Trade-deadline acquisition Yusei Kikuchi and relievers Pressly, Kendall Graveman, Hector Neris and Caleb Ferguson will be on the market. First base and left field are question marks. The Astros will have plenty of holes to fill.
The farm system may not offer much help. MLB.com ranked the Astros farm system last after the trade deadline. An aging and injured core and a flawed roster may force Houston into a bridge year at a minimum. The window of contention may be about to close.
It is the end of an era.
