Offseason checklist: Astros' needs & moves

HOUSTON -- The future of free-agent outfielders George Springer and Michael Brantley figures to dictate the path of the Astros’ offseason. Their departures would leave the club scrambling to fill two starting spots in their outfield coming off a season in which they advanced to the American League Championship Series for the fourth consecutive year.

Houston has to fill some holes in its bullpen as well, but addressing its outfield situation remains the top job for general manager James Click, who is in his first offseason with the club. The Astros gave Springer an $18.9 million qualifying offer, which he will almost certainly decline. That will free him up to sign with any team, including Houston.

It should be a fascinating few weeks, and MLB.com is keeping track here. As the offseason continues, be sure to check back for updates.

BIGGEST NEEDS

Starting outfielders
The Astros’ starting center fielder (Springer) and right fielder (Josh Reddick) are free agents, along with Brantley, who started 18 games in left field and 25 at designated hitter. The emergence of Kyle Tucker, who started the majority of games in left field (39) while Brantley was pushed to DH to replace the injured Yordan Alvarez, meant Houston wasn't looking for three starting outfielders this winter.

With Alvarez, the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year Award winner who had surgery on both knees this past summer, set to return at DH in 2021 and Tucker locking down one of the outfield spots, the Astros’ clear biggest needs are the two other outfield positions. It’s unlikely they would be able to re-sign both Brantley and Springer, but signing one of them would help keep most of the team’s core together for another run at a World Series title.

Bullpen depth
If there was a silver lining in the amount of injuries the Astros had in the pitching staff in 2020, it’s that it allowed the club to get a look at some of its younger arms. But losing closer Roberto Osuna and veteran relievers Chris Devenski and Brad Peacock to injuries -- and subsequent free agency -- means Houston has a depth issue in the bullpen.

The Astros return 2019 All-Star Ryan Pressly at the back end next year. Left-hander Brooks Raley, who had his $2 million option picked up, will return with youngsters Enoli Paredes, Blake Taylor and Andre Scrubb. It’s expected that veteran Joe Smith will return after electing not to play in ’20, but Josh James will miss the start of the 2021 season following hip surgery. Austin Pruitt is coming off surgery as well after not pitching in ’20. And Cristian Javier, who pitched so well in relief in the postseason, is expected to be in the rotation to start the season.

Backup catcher
Martín Maldonado carried most of the weight behind the plate in the regular season, and especially the playoffs, where his leadership was invaluable. Backup Dustin Garneau is a free agent, leaving Garrett Stubbs as the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. Do the Astros feel comfortable with Stubbs as Maldonado’s backup, or do they try to bring in another veteran to back up Maldonado?

MOVES MADE

Nov. 1: Raley’s option exercised
The Astros picked up Raley's $2 million option.

Oct. 30: Quartet elects free agency
Relief pitchers Osuna, Devenski and Chase De Jong and catcher Garneau cleared waivers and became free agents.

Oct. 30: Sanabria claimed
Right-hander Carlos Sanabria was claimed off waivers by the Royals.