Houston Astros Due to their incredible winning streak, they made their first postseason appearance since 2016. seven in a row ALCS games are over Detroit Tigers In the Wild Card round.

Now tasked with the goal of getting better this winter and figuring out how to reclaim their spot in the American League, Houston’s focus turns to free agency, both with outside additions and who to keep and who to let go. Understandably, the Astros’ offseason plans and budget revolve around whatever happens with the franchise’s cornerstone third baseman Alex BregmanBut Bregman isn’t the only free agent on the team.

After acquiring Yusei Kikuchi on the last day of trading Toronto Blue JaysKikuchi did himself a huge favor by assuming the ace role in his 10 starts in Houston. Now poised to hit the open market, there’s no doubt that Kikuchi earned himself millions more with the Astros’ hot finish after a rough start to the season.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post He projects the six-year veteran will get a four-year, $68 million deal, likely landing somewhere other than Houston.

“Big second half in Houston triggers huge market after weak start in Toronto,” Heyman wrote. “The Astros are trying, but it seems more likely he will go elsewhere.”

The six-year veteran posted a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts in Toronto to start the year, then went 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 60 innings in Houston.

throughout his careerThe 4.75 number is much closer to Kikuchi’s type of pitcher, and it’s certainly possible, though unlikely, that he’s an outlier rather than an accurate representation of the caliber of pitcher he showed with the Astros. .

It’s a gamble other teams will be willing to take once offers start pouring in for Kikuchi, but Houston would likely be better served spending their assets elsewhere rather than relying on the continued dominance of a pitcher who has never been able to dominate the field. the course of his career.