If the objective for the Houston Astros was to spend as little as possible in complimentary agency this offseason, well, objective achieved. From a free firm standpoint, the Astros have done the bare minimum since the new year, handing out just one agreement with MLB warranties to one freelance-- backup catcher Victor is based on tracking by MLB Trade Rumors, which has actually tracked all free-agent costs for players that have actually authorized MLB deals after the Nov. 6 cut-off to begin free firm settlements with various other teams. The site is additionally not including trades and expansions in these positions. So where do the Astros stack up? Well, Caratini's deal was for two years and $12 million. The Astros' investing is No. 19 in the Majors until now. It's not the least any group has actually spent-- however it's close. The complying with teams have actually given out less in ensured cash than the Astros to MLB totally free representatives-- the Milwaukee Brewers $ 11.25 million), the Los Angeles Angels $ 6.8 million), the Cleveland Guardians $ 4.75 million) Twins Shorts, the Washington Nationals $ 4.25 million), the Oakland Athletics $ 1.5 million), the Tampa Bay Rays $ 1.1 million) and the Minnesota Twins $ 950, 000). The Los Angeles Dodgers have actually spent the most in totally free company, devoting greater than $1 billion, most of which was provided to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Astros are hoping to remain under next period's Affordable Equilibrium Tax limit of $237 million. It's also uncertain just how profitable their local tv contracts will certainly be in 2024. Together with arbitration needs for a number of gamers, including bottle Framber Valdez and outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Astros have actually made it clear they wish to extend both Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. It's unclear if the Astros have the methods to extend both, yet coverage has made it clear that Altuve is the franchise business's concern for an expansion. In the meantime, it looks like the Astros are Max Kepler Shorts keeping it lean as they prepare for Spring Training. .