Houston Astros May Still Be Heavily Pursuing Free Agent Ace

The Houston Astros reportedly may not be done adding to their roster this offseason despite giving closer Josh Hader a five-year, $95 million deal earlier this winter. 

In fact, owner Jim Crane may finally get his wish off having two of his most coveted players over the last two seasons on the roster at the same time. 

According to The Athletic, the Astros are still playing in the Blake Snell market. Crane has reportedly wanted the duo for a while now and he may soon get his wish. 

Snell, one of the top aces on the market this winter, remains unsigned. Surprising because he is a two-time Cy Young winner, to include the 2023. But it also highlights the trouble that Scott Boras clients have had this year in getting a deal that Boras believes accurately represents their worth. 

Now, Snell may be looking to sign a bridge deal, much like fellow Boras clients Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman did with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, respectively. 

“As I’ve said multiple times, we always have our foot on the gas when it comes to winning and acquiring pitching,” general manager Dana Brown said according to The Athletic. “As long as Snell is on the market, we check in to ask what is the latest. Nothing new as of now.”

Interestingly enough, this may be the perfect storm for Crane to finally get his wish. Snell was looking for a long-term deal entering the offseason, perhaps long enough to where he would end his career with the signing team.

But Crane doesn't do those types of deals. 

However, Snell and Boras may not be willing to do a short-term deal with a higher AAV and opt-outs, like Bellinger's and Chapman's above. That would probably prompt Crane to pounce on the opportunity to add Snell to a weakened rotation following injury this winter. 

Crane has already shown he is willing to go outside his comfort zone and spend real money on marquee free agents this winter. He may have to if he wishes to keep the Texas Rangers at bay and continue to show dominance in the American League West. 

Snell very well could be the next part of the journey.