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The Houston Astros might be shopping for another heavy bat in the market just hours after signing former American League MVP Jose Abreu.
The reigning world champions aren't wasting any time. After signing Abreu, they could be on the verge of signing either former National League MVP Cody Bellinger or Chicago Cubs All-Star catcher Willson Contreras.
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"Even after signing Jose Abreu, the Astros are still hunting for another bat. Willson Contreras and Cody Bellinger are names to watch, per sources." - @ Michael Schwab
Cody Bellinger burst onto the scene and won the AL Rookie of the Year award during his first season and the NL MVP in his third. However, his form has fallen off a cliff ever since.
Bellinger had an atrocious 2021 season that saw him bat .165/.240/.302 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. It has to be noted that he was injured during a huge chunk of the year and only played in 95 games.
Bellinger recovered slightly this past season and posted a slash line of .210/.265/.389 with 19 homers and 68 RBIs, but considering his caliber, it was still a huge letdown for fans.
Upon hearing the news that Bellinger might sign with their team, Houston Astros fans took to Twitter to express their discontent.
"Bellinger?? LORD please no," one fan said.
"NO Bellinger. Liability at the plate and in the clubhouse," another commented.
Apart from Bellinger's form, the beef between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros fans is another potential factor in these rumors. It will be interesting to see if the Astros front office will push to get the former National League MVP.
Houston Astros sign Jose Abreu
After winning the World Series, many assumed that the Houston Astros would lose some pieces in the offseason. They were expected to offload talent, making them weaker, at least on paper.
However, that isn't the case as the Astros have reloaded and plugged holes in their roster. The team has signed former Chicago White Sox first baseman and three-time All-Star Jose Abreu to a three-year $58.5 million deal.
Abreu was the AL MVP during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. At 35 years old, he is no spring chicken. However, given his pedigree and the power he brings (he won't play first base every day), it perfectly suits this slugging-heavy Astros team.
