The Houston Astros have made a number of significant decisions this offseason, notably parting ways with key players like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, sparking debates on whether the team will remain competitive in 2025. While these moves have left fans and analysts questioning the team’s future, the Astros front office remains confident that their strategy will keep them in the postseason conversation. They’ve bolstered their roster by signing Christian Walker, re-acquiring Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski, and adding a top-tier prospect. These moves, along with increased financial flexibility, are expected to help the team stay competitive, though there’s uncertainty regarding their ability to contend for another World Series title.
Despite the team’s moves, one major concern is the Astros’ payroll. They’re projected to exceed the luxury tax threshold again, marking the first time in franchise history that owner Jim Crane would carry a payroll at this level in consecutive seasons. However, Crane has made it clear that the team’s championship window remains open as long as he’s at the helm, fueling speculation that additional moves could be made before Opening Day if the team’s roster isn’t seen as strong enough to win it all.
One of the key areas the Astros need to address is their outfield. Without Tucker, who was a major presence in right field, the team is relying on Chas McCormick to fill the void. McCormick, however, is coming off the worst season of his career, making his ability to replace Tucker’s production uncertain. In center field, Jake Meyers has failed to develop into the player many hoped for, and the Astros are even considering a platoon arrangement for left field.
Given these concerns, fans are clamoring for the Astros to make one last bold move before the season starts, with many hoping the team will sign outfielder Anthony Santander. Santander, a switch-hitting slugger for the Baltimore Orioles, would be a perfect addition to the Astros lineup on paper. In 2024, he had a career year, setting personal bests in home runs (44), RBIs (102), and OPS+ (134). His offensive production would help solidify the Astros’ lineup, especially after the loss of Tucker, and his ability to hit from both sides of the plate would provide versatility.
However, despite his fit with the team, it appears unlikely that the Astros will sign Santander. According to a source from KPRC 2, Santander is seeking a long-term contract that would push the Astros deep into the competitive balance tax territory for the second consecutive year. This is something the Astros front office is reluctant to do, given their self-imposed financial constraints.
While Santander would undoubtedly strengthen the Astros’ roster, particularly in the outfield, the team’s payroll concerns make such a move a long shot. The Astros have made it clear that they have limits when it comes to spending, and with their already high payroll, the likelihood of adding another major salary is slim.
This news isn’t entirely surprising given the Astros’ financial situation. Even though Santander would represent a significant upgrade over the current outfield options, his contract demands are simply not in line with what the team is willing to commit. For the Astros, staying under the luxury tax threshold is important for both financial flexibility and long-term sustainability, and adding Santander’s contract would make it difficult to maintain that balance.
In conclusion, while fans may be hopeful about the possibility of landing Santander, the reality is that the Astros’ financial constraints make this deal highly unlikely. While the front office has made moves to stay competitive, it seems that any further roster upgrades will have to come from within the current payroll structure. As the team heads into the 2025 season, the Astros will have to rely on their existing talent and internal development to contend for another championship.
