The Houston Astros face a pivotal offseason after their earliest playoff exit in eight years. General manager Dana Brown is open to all options for roster improvement, particularly focusing on the bullpen, which had mixed results this season.

Despite high expectations for their relief pitchers, the Astros ranked low in key metrics like ERA and blown saves. Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu were the standout performers, but the team struggled to maintain leads.

As they prepare for 2024, the Astros must find ways to ease the workload on their top relievers and explore potential additions to strengthen the bullpen.

The Houston Astros faced a disappointing end to the 2024 MLB season, being swept by the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Round, breaking their seven-year streak of reaching the ALCS.

Closer Josh Hader struggled during the postseason, pitching 2.1 innings with four hits and two walks against him. Despite a solid regular season performance, his postseason showing raised concerns about his $95 million contract, which received a C- grade from analysts.

Hader's home run rate was alarming, allowing 12 homers, a significant concern for the Astros moving forward.

The Houston Astros face a pivotal offseason after their earliest playoff exit in eight years. With general manager Dana Brown hinting at potential roster changes, the focus shifts to the pitching rotation, which struggled with injuries but showed promise with the emergence of players like Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco.

Despite setbacks, the rotation's performance improved significantly, highlighted by a low opponents' batting average. Key questions remain regarding the health of pitchers like Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. as the team prepares for 2025.

The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central title by a comfortable 10-game margin this season, despite undergoing significant roster changes since last year's success.

As they look ahead to the offseason, the team may consider trading All-Star closer Devin Williams, as indicated by general manager Matt Arnold. With Williams entering his final arbitration year and set for free agency in 2025, the Brewers are weighing their options carefully.

Williams has been a standout performer, boasting a remarkable career ERA of 1.83. If traded, Trevor Megill could be a potential successor as closer, especially after his strong performance in Williams' absence this season. The Brewers have a solid playoff track record, making it six times in seven years, and their front office is adept at managing such transitions.

The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to make significant cuts to their payroll this offseason, with key players like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras potentially on the trading block.

Ryan Helsley, the Cardinals' top reliever and a major league leader in saves, may also be a trade candidate as he enters his final arbitration year. His expected salary increase could make it difficult for St. Louis to retain him, especially given the high contracts recently signed by other relievers.