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3 Contract Extensions the Astros Should Still Pursue This Offseason

By Brendan Balsamo

Despite their issues, the Astros still have a talented young core.
Despite their issues, the Astros still have a talented young core. / Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Houston Astros were caught in one of the worst cheating scandals in sports, but the team has to rebound and prepare for the 2020 campaign. Now under new management, the Astros will look to re-write the current narrative surrounding the team by winning clean.

In order to do that, the team needs to lock down some of its stars for the long haul. As the offseason nears its end, here are three players who should be extended by the Astros.

3. Lance McCullers Jr.

The loss of Gerrit Cole hurts but getting Lance McCullers back could soften the blow.
The loss of Gerrit Cole hurts but getting Lance McCullers back could soften the blow. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Lance McCullers has had an injury-plagued career, but he is no doubt still a talented pitcher. In his first two seasons, 2015 and 2016, McCullers posted an identical 3.22 ERA, and in 2017, before his first injury in late June, he had a minuscule 2.53 ERA. McCullers even started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, bringing the President's Trophy to Houston for the first time. Extending McCullers could help mitigate the loss of Gerrit Cole, while also keeping a familiar face in town for the foreseeable future.

2. Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa is one of the best young shortstops in the game today.
Carlos Correa is one of the best young shortstops in the game today. / Bob Levey/Getty Images

Correa, once considered the most promising shortstop in baseball, has struggled with injury throughout his young career. In five seasons, Correa has featured in more than 110 games just once, and has just one All-Star appearance under his belt. However, if he can stay healthy, the 25-year-old still has the time and talent to develop into a superstar. The former Rookie of the Year managed a .926 OPS across 75 games last year and is someone the 'Stros need to keep in Houston for the long haul.

1. George Springer

George Springer just signed a pre arbitration contract with the Astros last week.
George Springer just signed a pre arbitration contract with the Astros last week. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In Houston, George Springer is Mr. October. In 10 career postseason series', Springer his hitting .271 with 15 home runs and 28 RBI, and tied Carlos Beltran's Astros' record for consecutive postseason games with a home run. Springer he has won a Silver Slugger in two of the past three years, and has been elected to the All-Star Game all three years. He finished seventh in MVP voting in 2019 after hitting .290 with 39 home runs and 96 RBI. Just last week, Springer signed a pre arbitration deal with the Astros to stay in Houston for one more year. Allowing Springer to hit the open market after this season would be a huge mistake.