A run of seven consecutive American League Championship appearances came to an end for the Houston Astros in a stunning Wild Card loss to the upstart Detroit Tigers.
Earlier than expected, the Astros have already turned their sights to building for 2025. Near the top of the priority list for Houston is figuring out what to do with a dire situation at first base.
Since the disastrous decision to sign Jose Abreu to replace Yuli Gurriel two winters ago, first base has become a quagmire for the 2023 AL champions. For the majority of 2024, the Astros platooned Jon Singleton with catchers-turned-first sackers Victor Caratini and Yainer Diaz at the position.
Houston figures to sign a reputable first baseman this winter, and according to FanSided, Paul Goldschmidt represents a reliable option to hold down the position for at least a season and provide offensive pop for a lineup that is in danger of losing slugging third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.
At 37 years old, Goldschmidt is not expected to re-sign for a St. Louis Cardinals team looking to get younger. At his advanced age, he presents the same kind of risk that Houston took on by signing a then-36-year-old Abreu but could come at a price that may allow the Astros to make a strong play to keep Bregman this winter.
Goldschmidt's best seasons are certainly behind him, but on a one- or two-year deal, he still provides a formidable bat in the lineup that can also still deliver defensive prowess near the levels of his four Gold Glove seasons.
Just two years removed from his 2022 National League Most Valuable Player campaign, Goldschmidt's production fell off to 22 home runs with 65 RBI and a .245 batting average. A far cry from 2022, but still palatable numbers for a team seeking stability at a position of recent upheaval.
Spotrac projects Goldschmidt to be available on a one-year deal for approximately $12 million. That's a far cry from the $200 million that premier first base free agent Pete Alonso could command, or even the near $100 million that Christian Walker could see from the Arizona Diamondbacks or another team this winter.
Plus, if signing Goldschmidt could allow Houston the flexibility to keep Bregman? All the better.
More MLB: Astros could look west to fill team's gaping hole at first base
