Fresh off their first World Series title in franchise history, the Houston Astros are apparently not content with standing pat.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros are considering making a push for a front-end starting pitcher. Rosenthal specifically notes that free agents Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta could be on Houston’s radar. He also mentions Rays’ pitcher Chris Archer as a potential trade candidate.
Houston acquired Justin Verlander during the waiver trade deadline back in August, and he was one of the primary reasons the team earned the title. Verlander pitched to a 5-0 record with a 1.06 ERA in five regular season starts with the Astros before dominating to the tune of 4-1 in the playoffs.
If Houston could potentially add another ace to team up with Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, it would help offset the Yankees’ acquisition of reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton.