The Astros lead the AL West, might make the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and – most scary to the rest of the sport – might have their worst roster of the next five or so years.
If nothing else, simply having dynamic shortstop Carlos Correa for full seasons moving forward will make for better versions of the Astros. But it is more than that. Folks tend to forget Houston is one of the largest markets in the country, and the Astros could comfortably grow their payroll into the $140 million-plus region.
And we have seen just the beginning – in promotions and trades – of GM Jeff Luhnow using a deep farm system.
When resources were tighter and the system was not yet able to help, Luhnow was willing to infuse his roster with big-power, high-strikeout types such as Chris Carter, Colby Rasmus and Luis Valbuena. But those players almost certainly will not be part of the 2016 Astros as youngsters such as first baseman A.J. Reed are promoted.
In fact, several sources say if Houston calls up players in September who need to be put on the 40-man roster, Carter’s spot on the 40-man is vulnerable. He hit 29 and 37 homers the past two years, but has 18 this year with a .183 average and is no longer the regular first baseman. The likelihood is he will be traded or non-tendered in the offseason anyway, so it is not impossible Houston could be proactive.