Astros GM Says They Are Targeting These Positions This Offseason

It's now been made clear what positions the Houston Astros will be targeting this offseason and it doesn't come as a surprise to anyone.

There's been some speculation about what the Houston Astros will do this offseason in free agency as they look to add more pieces to their contending roster.

At this point in time, it feels like adding an elite starting pitcher is a pipedream.

The Astros' self-imposed salary cap ultimately limits what general manager Dana Brown is able to do this winter. They still have needs they have to address after the departure of three relievers and veteran catcher Martin Maldonado.

That's why it's no surprise that Brown has come out and listed those positions as targets this offseason.

"Most of all, the priority is a backup catcher and bullpen. And I think that kind of sets us up for at least getting back to the postseason, potentially winning the division and going deep again," he said.

With that in mind, what type of players could Houston go after considering their budget?

Well, it all depends on who Brown and his front office value as the most important additions. The departures of Hector Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek accounted for 185 innings of relief pitching last year. They'll certainly need to replace that production.

Yainer Diaz is set to become the starting catcher in 2024 after a solid rookie season. There's no questions about his bat, but without Maldonado behind the plate, defensive and overall game command could become an issue for the Astros that they haven't had to deal with for the better part of five seasons.

"If it comes down to getting a seventh-inning guy, or we have to use money that we could use for a sixth-inning guy and a catcher, we'll probably get the sixth-inning guy and a catcher and fill the seventh-inning guy from within," Brown said.

That's interesting.

It seems like they're first focusing their attention on relief arms based on his own comments. Ideally, they'd like to get both a backup catcher and bullpen piece this offseason instead of getting a single high-profile reliever.

That likely eliminates some of the players that have been linked to Houston throughout the offseason.

What Brown ultimately decides to do will be seen as the Winter Meetings are set to begin Dec. 3.