LATEST UPDATE: Astros Urged to Land World Series Champion After Missing on Blake Snell

After missing out on acquiring Blake Snell, the Houston Astros are under pressure to secure a World Series champion to bolster their roster.

The Astros had expressed interest in Snell before he opted to join the San Francisco Giants, leaving Houston in search of alternative pitching options.

With Justin Verlander and Jose Urquidy sidelined at the beginning of the season due to injuries, the Astros find themselves in need of additional pitching depth. The impending return of Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers later in the season will provide some relief, but the team still requires reinforcements.

While there are internal options available, the Astros could benefit from exploring the remaining free-agent market for potential acquisitions. Among the available candidates, left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery stands out as a notable option.

Bleacher Report’s Erin Walsh identified Houston as a suitable destination for Montgomery, noting that the Astros are eager to make another run at the World Series but lack depth in their starting rotation beyond Verlander and Framber Valdez.

However, one drawback with Montgomery is that he may not be immediately available at the start of the season, potentially causing him to miss a few starts as he ramps up his readiness.

Houston faces a challenging schedule early in the season, squaring off against formidable opponents like the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers in their initial series.

Securing victories in the division will be crucial, especially considering the competitiveness of the Rangers. Additionally, home-field advantage in the playoffs remains a coveted advantage for the Astros.

The front office faces a pivotal decision regarding Montgomery, as he possesses the ability to provide immediate assistance while also offering long-term potential for the team.