Dodgers hurler linked to Astros following impressive 2024 campaign

The Houston Astros season came to an end last week when they were swept by the young, upstart Detroit Tigers in the American League Wild Card Series.

This offseason is going to be a critical one for the Astros. They have a few players with expiring contracts that may not be back in 2025. This means there may be some holes for them to fill.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report recently listed Houston as a potential fit for Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jack Flaherty, who is set to become one of the top free agent starters this winter.

"This year mercifully brought redemption, and in such a way that suggests Flaherty may yet have a sustained run as a top-of-the-rotation starter," Rymer wrote. "He could be in for Eduardo Rodriguez money, a la four years and $80 million. And if his market really picks up, it's a short leap from there to nine figures."

Flaherty would be an interesting fit in Houston. It's very possible that the Astros will decide not to bring back Justin Verlander after he posted a 5.48 ERA during the regular season and was left off the Wild Card Series roster.

Flaherty made 28 starts this season with the Tigers and Dodgers, logging 162 innings, striking out 194 batters, walking just 38 and posting a 3.17 ERA.

The 28-year-old is looking much more like his old self when he was a Cy Young candidate with the St. Louis Cardinals. And while Houston doesn't typically sign players to megadeals, with Josh Hader being an exception, Flaherty is somebody that could fit right in with Houston.

The contract Rodriguez signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a solid comparison, and it could be what Flaherty is ultimately in for this coming winter as he tries to build off of what was a bounce-back year for him.

Houston won 88 games and captured another AL West crown before falling to the Tigers. Adding another top-level starter would give them a significant boost as they try to rebound from a disappointing postseason exit.

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