In January, they signed closer Josh Hader, the best closer on the free-agent market. Now, they are engaged in a serious pursuit of left-hander Blake Snell, the best starter on the market.
Snell, 31, is believed to be seeking the same type of contract recently signed by two other Scott Boras clients, Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman — a three-year deal with two opt outs.
The Astros’ need to add another starting pitcher intensified Friday when José Urquidy pulled himself from a minor-league game after 43 pitches with a sore right elbow, according to manager Joe Espada.
Astros ace Justin Verlander will start the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, but could be back by mid-April. Two other Houston starters, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, are still recovering from elbow surgeries and not expected until well after the All-Star break
A trade of Urquidy, who is earning $3.75 million, could have created a measure of financial flexibility for the Astros, who repeatedly have dangled the pitcher in recent seasons. But with Urquidy’s physical status uncertain, the team almost certainly cannot move him now. And the roster does not include any other obvious salaries to move.
Snell would fit an obvious need for the Astros, not just for the present but also the future. Verlander could become a free agent after this season if he does not pitch the 140 innings necessary to vest his $35 million player option. Urquidy and Framber Valdez are under club control for two more seasons.
The team’s financial flexibility could increase in the coming years, third baseman Alex Bregman will hit the open market after this season, as will right fielder Kyle Tucker along with Valdez after 2025. But Houston already is projected to carry the largest Opening Day payroll in franchise history. With the signing of Hader, the club crossed the first luxury-tax threshold for the second time in Crane’s ownership tenure.
