Astros Reportedly Made Offer to Hunter Pence for 2020 Reunion
By Brendan Balsamo
Throughout his 13-year career, Hunter Pence has been known to be one of the most unconventional players you'll ever see. What can't be denied, though, are his results.
Those results are why the downtrodden Houston Astros have reportedly offered Pence a deal to play at Minute Maid Park in 2020, in need of another infusion of positive PR.
MLB sources: #Astros have made an offer to free agent outfielder Hunter Pence who played n Houston from 2007-11.He’s a 4-time All-Star,including 2019 with the Rangers,hitting .297 with 18 home runs & 59 RBIs.Pence played for the Giants from 2012-18,helping them win 2 World Series
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 4, 2020
Pence, in a year that looked like it could have been his last one before it started, ended up putting up All-Star numbers with the Texas Rangers, hitting .297 with 18 home runs and 59 RBI. This was after being a top-tier outfielder and being a part of two World Series-winning teams with the San Francisco Giants from 2012-2018.
Last year, in 83 games and being a poor defender, Hunter Pence provided a 1.8 fWAR. In 141 games with above average defense Josh Reddick provided a 1.0 fWAR. Just saying...#Astros
— James Click Stan (@RoundRockTim) February 4, 2020
Pence could be making a homecoming, as he began his career down in Houston, playing there from his debut in 2007 until a trade to Philadelphia in 2011. This attempt might be to replace Josh Reddick, who had a less-than-stellar 2019. In 83 games, Pence accumulated a higher WAR than Reddick did in 141 games. In what seems like a response to the offer, Reddick sent out a cryptic tweet.
— Josh Reddick (@RealJoshReddick) February 4, 2020
Whatever may happen with Reddick and Pence, it seems like at least a solid try from the new general manager of the Astros James Click, as Pence could be valuable for the 'Stros down the stretch.