3 Players the Astros Won't Be Able to Re-Sign After 2020 Season

The Houston Astros have a payroll over $200 million with several key pending free agents and others who will earn raises in arbitration next year. That means the team will have to make some tough decisions after the 2020 season and will likely see some of its best players hit the open market. Three in particular stand out as likely candidates to walk after the season.

3. Michael Brantley

Michael Brantley was a great veteran addition for the Houston Astros. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Michael Brantley joined the Astros last season on a two-year deal worth $16 million annually, enjoying a bounce-back All-Star campaign after several injury-filled seasons in Cleveland. Yet he will be 33 in May and with multiple talented outfielders waiting in the wings, particularly Kyle Tucker, the Astros will probably cut ties with Brantley.

2. Yuli Gurriel

Houston Astros slugger Yuli Gurriel / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Yuli Gurriel joined the Astros in 2016 after defecting from Cuba. He has been an everyday player since 2017 and posted a 3.2 WAR last year. Gurriel is set to earn $8.7 million in 2020 and will be 36 at the end of the season. While he still has a few years left in him, this will be a scenario in which the Astros will be forced to move on to avoid paying the aging veteran. There is simply too much money tied up elsewhere to retain the first baseman.

1. George Springer

George Springer is likely done with the Houston Astros after 2020. / Rob Carr/Getty Images

George Springer is earning $21 million this season in his final year of arbitration. He will hit the open market this winter and there is just no way the Astros can pay him. A Springer deal combined with raises through arbitration would likely have the Astros over the $200 million mark in 2021. Springer's only problem was not getting the chance to sign a massive deal before Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve. He is thus the odd man out.