Houston Astros Could Move On From Star Veteran Slugger
There will be changes for the Houston Astros heading into the 2024 season.
That's a given.
Manager Dusty Baker already announced his retirement, bullpen pieces are expected to hit free agency and other veterans could find themselves on the way out.
One player that could have played his last game for the Astros is Michael Brantley.
The outfielder has been with the organization since 2019 and has been instrumental to the success of Houston during this time period that saw them win four AL West titles, three American League pennants and a World Series championship.
But, a shoulder injury caused Brantley to miss a ton of time the past two years.
He got surgery on Aug. 12 in 2022 to repair a torn labrum. This sidelined him for their entire postseason run that year and he didn't return until late August in 2023.
The past two seasons, he has played in only 79 out of 324 possible games.
While Brantley has been a staple in their lineup and left field when healthy, the 36-year-old is hitting free agency and likely won't be viewed as a necessary piece to bring back.
The Astros' outfield is crowded as is with Chas McCormick and Mauricio Dubon emerging and Jake Meyers still in the mix.
It's possible that one of those players could be moved this offseason in exchange for other pieces. That could open the door for Brantley's return.
But the contract would have to be team-friendly to ensure a reunion.
Brantley hasn't shown that he can become the hitter that he was before the injury and his defense will continue to decline as he gets older.
It seems very likely that Houston will be moving on from their veteran outfielder this offseason.
