If the Houston Astros are looking for more bats to add depth in their lineup, they could target this free agent slugger.
The Houston Astros are searching the free agent market for cost-effective pieces they can add to create more depth for their roster.
With everything already in place for another deep postseason run, the only thing they really need to add are role players and additions to their bullpen.
They were connected with a flamethrowing reliever before he agreed to terms with the San Francisco Giants and they have not been linked to another bullpen piece since then.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports thinks the Astros will turn their attention to the hitting market and add former Los Angeles Dodgers' slugging All-Star, Joc Pederson.
"Pederson's market may be thinned by his defensive limitations, yet we could see a team like the Astros, who could use some additional left-handed thump, identifying him as a value play," he writes.
Houston's outfield is already set with Chas McCormick slated to play more games this season, Jake Meyers getting another chance in center, Kyle Tucker their everyday right fielder and Yordan Alvarez getting some reps in left.
Pederson's defensive questions would not be an issue for the Astros.
They'd likely use him as another left-handed option coming off the bench or when facing righty pitcher options throughout the long regular season.
The slugger is coming off two solid years with the Giants where he slashed .255/.351/.470, with an OPS+ of 129, while hitting 15 or more home runs and driving in 50 or more runs each season there.
The 31-year-old has been a power bat ever since entering the league.
In his rookie season, he was selected to the All-Star game with the Dodgers and had 25+ homers in five out of his six years before the 2020 season.
Whether Pederson would be looking for a platoon type of role at this point in his career is unknown, but the market has been noticeably quiet for someone with his hitting potential.
There's a chance he could sign a short-term deal to increase his value in free agency again, while also competing for a championship with a team like Houston.