Report: Astros 'hell-bent to get a closer'
The Houston Astros beefed up their bullpen last offseason by adding Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek to the fold, but they're still looking to add more relief arms this fall.
Clubs talking to the Astros about a potential trade say they seem "hell-bent to get a closer," reports ESPN's Jayson Stark.
Houston has already explored possible deals involving Cincinnati Reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees southpaw Andrew Miller, Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Ken Giles, and Tampa Bay Rays righty Brad Boxberger, according to Stark.
The Astros are also considering free-agent relievers. Some of the names available include Darren O'Day, Joe Nathan, Ryan Madson, Edward Mujica, Antonio Bastardo, Joakim Soria, and Jonathan Broxton, among others.
Neither Gregerson or Neshek had a proven history of closing games until arriving in Houston, having been utilized in setup roles by their former clubs. Gregerson got the nod as the Astros' ninth-inning man in 2015, and converted 31 of his 37 save opportunities in his first season as a full-time closer.
Houston's bullpen ranked in the upper echelon in most statistical categories last season, but will need to make up for the loss of left-hander Tony Sipp to free agency. Astros relievers boasted the seventh-best ERA (3.27), and held opponents to the second-lowest batting average (.220) in the majors.
ASTROS BULLPEN STATS
| W-L | IP | ERA | SV | BAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-30 | 457.1 | 3.27 | 39 | .220 |
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has already been active this fall, trading shortstop Jonathan Villar to the Milwaukee Brewers for right-hander Cy Sneed. Outfielder Colby Rasmus also accepted the club's one-year, $15.8-million qualifying offer.
Houston fell in five games to the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, but did blank the New York Yankees 3-0 in the AL wild-card game. It was the Astros' first playoff appearance since 2005.