The Houston Astros’ most significant weakness currently lies in their outfield, especially after trading Kyle Tucker. With Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick slated to start in center and right field, respectively, and a mix of players rotating through left field, their outfield doesn’t appear to be on par with championship contenders, even if McCormick returns to his previous form of consistently posting above-average OPS+ numbers.
General manager Dana Brown has indicated that the team plans to explore free-agent options to strengthen the outfield, but with the Astros’ payroll projected to exceed the luxury tax threshold after signing first baseman Christian Walker, they might decide to stick with their current group. However, if owner Jim Crane approves additional spending, MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart suggests that Randal Grichuk, a Houston native, could be a good fit for the team. Grichuk, who was a first-round pick in the 2009 draft, has not fully lived up to his draft status but had a strong performance in the previous season, posting a .291/.348/.528 slash line, 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a career-high 140 OPS+. In the earlier part of his career, Grichuk was a reliable 20-plus homer hitter who could produce in clutch situations.
While it’s uncertain whether he can maintain that form in his 12th MLB season, he remains an intriguing option. With Spotrac estimating his market value at $3.3 million per year, Grichuk represents a cost-effective solution for the Astros that wouldn’t stretch their budget. However, the fact that he is a right-handed hitter could pose a challenge, as Brown has stated that the Astros are particularly interested in adding left-handed hitters to balance their lineup, with Meyers, McCormick, and Mauricio Dubon all hitting from the right side. Despite this concern, Grichuk would likely still be a solid addition at his projected price.
