Orioles projected $96 million star slugger could put Astros over top

Will the Houston Astros add another slugger to the middle of the lineup this winter?

They very well may need to.

Houston has a tough decision to make when it comes to third baseman Alex Bregman. There have been rumors swirling for months about Bregman, and there even was a time when it seemed like he could get traded this summer.

The Astros didn't move him and earned another playoff spot. But they didn't make it as far as they hoped. Now, the Astros need to take a look at the roster this winter.

Houston very well could lose Bregman as he's going to be very expensive. If the Astros do lose him, FanSided's Christopher Kline proposed a deal for Baltimore Orioles impending free agent Anthony Santander could make some sense .

"Again, we should all be skeptical of Houston's willingness to spend top dollar in free agency, and Anthony Santander has earned a considerable volume of cash," Kline said. "The Baltimore Orioles vet put together the best season of his career just in time for a new contract, slashing .235/.308/.506 with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs...

"The Astros can't count on Jason Heyward sticking around or being very productive next season, so outfield depth is an immediate priority. Santander is set-and-forget quality opposite Kyle Tucker, who would presumably move to left field. He's not exactly a Gold Glove candidate, but Santander can hold down the fort as a corner outfielder while bringing an immense boost to Houston's offensive profile."

Santander will get significantly less than Bregman and is projected to get $96 million over five years. He's coming off the best season of his career after launching 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. He's someone who could make sense for the Astros.

More MLB: Speculation building Astros could target $172 million superstar