The Houston Astros are closing in on their seventh American League West title in the last eight seasons. They currently lead the division by five games over the Seattle Mariners with nine games remaining on the schedule.
This offseason, they may be in the market for a major offensive upgrade. Jose Abreu never panned out at first base, and they will likely need to upgrade over Jon Singleton, who also hasn't been setting the world on fire.
This could lead them to one of the top free agents on the market. Jon Heyman of the New York Post listed the Astros as a possible fit for New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso.
"If not the Mets, the Astros, Rangers, Mariners, Orioles, Padres and Cubs all work," Heyman wrote.
Alonso has had a strong season in what could prove to be his final year in a Mets uniform. Though he is hitting just .246, the veteran slugger has hit 34 home runs, knocked in 87 runs, and posted an .807 OPS.
Heyman notes that a rival executive predicts Alonso will land a deal worth up to $185 million and possibly more. He'll certainly be expensive, and his market will be competitive.
Houston doesn't always spend big, and they might be preoccupied trying to re-sign Alex Bregman. But if they lose Bregman, Alonso could be a perfect solution to replace that production, while also providing a major upgrade at the first base position.
It will be interesting to see how everything develops and if Alonso will ultimately be a fit in Houston.
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