The Houston Astros got a firsthand look at what they might be missing this season during a Grapefruit League matchup against the New York Mets. Outfielder Mike Tauchman, now with the Mets, launched a three-run homer that left Astros fans wondering what could have been.
Throughout the offseason, Houston's front office, led by GM Dana Brown, focused heavily on bolstering their pitching staff. However, the quest to add a left-handed bat fell short.
While some fans point to the trade with the Blue Jays that brought in Joey Loperfido, it cost them another lefty in Jesús Sanchez. With the remaining free-agent market thin on left-handed hitters, options like Alex Verdugo or Jesse Winker are slim pickings, leaving many to question if the Astros will start the season lacking left-handed power.
The Astros had a shot at signing Tauchman, a seasoned journeyman at 35, who has shown flashes of success in Chicago over the past few seasons. The Mets picked him up on a minor-league deal with a spring training invite. If he makes the major league roster, his salary will be under $2 million-a price tag well within Houston's reach.
Houston's lineup isn't completely void of left-handed talent. Yordan Alvarez is expected to be a cornerstone of their offense, but beyond him, players like Loperfido, Zach Cole, and Cesar Salazar are likely to see more time on the bench.
While Tauchman isn't a marquee player and could quickly find himself out of favor with the Mets, his recent performance serves as a reminder of the Astros' offseason missteps. With priorities set on starting pitching, a backup catcher, and a left-handed bat, Houston has only managed to address one of those needs as the season approaches.