Astros could target former MVP to fill first base void this winter

The Houston Astros are once again the kings of the American League West. They secured their seventh division crown in eight years on Tuesday night.

They have managed to do all this with a huge void at the first base position. Jose Abreu didn't pan out, and Jon Singleton hasn't been any better.

When the season comes to an end, there will be plenty of first base options available in free agency, including Texas native Paul Goldschmidt.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that if the St. Louis Cardinals cannot re-sign him, Houston could be a fit.

"If he goes into the market, and why wouldn't he? Then he'll get a chance to see what offers/interest are there," Goold wrote in his weekly Cardinals chat. "Houston and Arizona are clubs with first base openings after all."

The former National League MVP turned 37 years old this month. While he has performed much better in the month of September, he still has had a down season.

The veteran slugger is hitting just .243 with 21 home runs, 43 RBI, and a .706 OPS. The numbers aren't terrible by any stretch for the Texas State product, but he isn't quite the same as he was during his MVP season.

Still, a change of scenery could benefit Goldschmidt as he tries to bounce back from what hasn't been his best season.

Houston is an obvious fit, and he could certainly help them, especially if Alex Bregman departs in free agency.

It will be interesting to see if the Astros decide to target the slugger this winter. He shouldn't come at too high of a price at this point in his career.

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