Astros Connected to Flamethrowing Reliever From Division Rivals

The Houston Astros will likely have a different bullpen in 2024 and they have been connected to flamethrowing reliever currently on the Texas Rangers.

There aren't many changes that the Houston Astros will make this offseason.

Both their infield and outfield is loaded with talent and the starting rotation will get back injured players who missed last year.

The unit that will have some new faces is their bullpen.

Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek are scheduled to hit free agency when the offseason begins and Hector Neris could opt-out of his player-option.

This was also a unit that regressed from their 2022 output when they were the best bullpen in the MLB.

Expecting the Astros to continue having the No. 1 relief staff would have been unreasonable, but they went from an ERA of 2.80 in 2022 to 3.56 in 2023.

Their postseason ERA of 3.99 this year was the third-worst out of all playoff teams.

In the past, Houston has changed their bullpen when having down seasons.

They'll likely take that same approach under general manager Dana Brown, who is looking to put his imprint on this organization.

One player who could be added in free agency is flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman, who currently plays for the Texas Rangers.

Former MLB executive, Jim Bowden, has linked the Astros with the left hander.

This is the type of player that Houston has added in the past and turned into an effective weapon out of their bullpen.

Bowden writes, "Aroldis Chapman rebuilt his free-agent value this year, posting a 3.09 ERA in 61 appearances. He struck out 103 and allowed just 37 hits in 58 1/3 innings. His fastball is back in the triple digits. His slider is back to being nasty, and it’s harder than it’s been since 2014."

He also predicts that a contract in the range of $12 million over two years could get him to sign.

The Astros might not be interested in the high walk rate that Chapman currently has, but they also could think that working with their coaching staff would fix this issue.

If that's the case, adding this type of arm to their bullpen would be a great way to start remaking this unit heading into the 2024 season.