Astros Reportedly Monitoring Josh Lindblom Market in Effort to Sign Next Korean Baseball Comeback

With several aces still on the major league market, it appears the Astros could be attempting to work their magic on a late-bloomer.

Or, is the "blom"-er?

After the Diamondbacks and Cardinals found success by importing failed-major-leaguers-turned-overseas-legends Merrill Kelly and Miles Mikolas, the Astros are circling the market for Josh Lindblom, the latest big leaguer to discover another gear in Korea.

The 32-year-old Lindblom has posted limited numbers as a swingman in the bigs, last appearing with the Pirates in 2017. His career MLB numbers include a 5-8 record and 4.10 ERA in scattered duty, but after a partial season in Korea in '17, he leapt to an elite level the next year.

In 2018, Lindblom went 15-4 with a 2.88 mark, following that up with an astounding campaign for the Doosan Bears, going 20-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 189 K's in 194.2 innings. In fact, he was named the league's MVP for his efforts.

What's different about Lindblom since he departed the country? Namely, this splitter.

But on a more macro level, he's returning with a dose of well-earned confidence. KBO-to-MLB has been a reliable pipeline of talent rehabilitation on the mound in recent years, and Houston seems willing to hang around 'til the end of the bidding here. Odds are they see something they believe they can maximize, yet again.