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5 Players Houston Astros Should Send Packing In 2015-16 MLB Offseason

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5 Players Houston Astros Should Send Packing In 2015-16 MLB Offseason

Houston Astros
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The Houston Astros were the league's biggest surprise of 2015 as they made the playoffs after finishing the season 86-76. While they made the playoffs, they still fell short of a title, which means there is still room for improvement. Here are five players the Astros should move this winter.

5. 1B Chris Carter

Chris Carter Houston Astros
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5. 1B Chris Carter

Chris Carter Houston Astros
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While Chris Carter is one of their top sources of offense he lacks the ability to hit for average. In 2015 he hit a meager .199 in 129 games. His .217 career average is awful and the Astros know they can't rely on power to win all their games. They'll need more players that can hit for average other than Jose Altuve in order to get better. Carter could fetch a low-end prospect, but it would save some money for a player who can hit better.

4. RP Oliver Perez

Oliver Perez Houston Astros
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4. RP Oliver Perez

Oliver Perez Houston Astros
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The Astros' success last year was in part to the dominance by the performances of Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh, but their bullpen could use some upgrades. Perez split this season between Houston and Arizona, but struggled mightily with the Astros as he yielded a 6.75 ERA in 22 games with Houston. Houston will need to have better production out of the bullpen which is why, due to his recent production, they should move on from him.

3. RP Samuel Deduno

Samuel Deduno Houston Astros
Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports

3. RP Samuel Deduno

Samuel Deduno Houston Astros
Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports

Like Perez, Deduno struggled in 2015 as he yielded a 6.86 ERA. While he was limited to only nine games, his career shows that he has a history of having a relatively high ERA. In order for the bullpen to be successful they'll need arms that have proven to be more effective. The Astros have the money available to invest in better arms so cutting ties with Deduno should be a the route to go if they want a more reliable bullpen.

2. 3B Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie Houston Astros
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2. 3B Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie Houston Astros
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Lowrie has yet to play up to the level that he played at in 2013 when he hit .290 with 15 home runs and 75 RBI. This past season he hit an uninspired .222 in 69 games with 9 home runs and 30 RBI. The Astros got respectable production out of Marwin Gonzalez. If Houston cut ties with Lowire they would be able to give Gonzalez more at-bats which would put another hitter in the lineup that can hit for average. This would be the best thing to do.

1. RP Luke Gregerson

Luke Gregerson Houston Astros
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1. RP Luke Gregerson

Luke Gregerson Houston Astros
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The Astros have the prospects and the money to obtain a top-end closer such as Aroldis Chapman. If Houston were to acquire Chapman, keeping Gregerson ,who yielded a 3.10 ERA last season, would make no sense when they have other needs.

Chad Troyan is a Cincinnati Reds writer. He also covers the NFL and NCAAF for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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