With the World Series under way, there are 28 other teams in the major leagues already looking ahead to 2015 in hopes that they might be playing for a championship next year at this time. Free agency doesn't officially kick in until five days after the champagne has been sprayed, but the rumor mill is already buzzing with potential moves that might help those clubs watching on television this year become the center of attention next October.
Our snapshot of each of the six MLB divisions and what teams might have in the works this offseason continues today with a look at the American League West.
Big decisions: Naming A.J. Hinch as the team's new manager was likely the biggest move this team will make in the offseason. After having stripped the team down to the barest minimum in payroll back in 2013, Houston's roster simply doesn't have any financial urgency for turnover in the same way franchises with a lot of high-priced veterans do.
Team needs: The Astros could use a little more stability in their outfield, with 10 different players starting in left field at one point or another during the season and Robbie Grossman's .233 batting average being the most turned-to option there. A free agent such as Colby Rasmus could be in their price range, depending on how much money they end up spending on Dexter Fowler's expected arbitration case; he's due a raise from the $7.35 million he made in 2014. … Additionally, as Brian McTaggart of MLB.com writes, "The Astros are going to need at least two proven, healthy arms to add to a bullpen that was last in the American League in ERA and first in blown saves with 25."
Early buzz: Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle notes that owner Jim Crane is open to increasing the team's payroll by another $20 million for 2015, after a similar increase last season, but warns that "the chances of the Astros making a tremendous push this winter, however, seem slim no matter what."