The story about the Astros’ offseason was their seeming reluctance to not exceed the $210 million tax threshold for the 2021 season. Although the club technically didn’t pay the tax for exceeding the threshold last season due to the pandemic-shortened season, the ramifications still carry over into the 2021 budget. For example, if Houston exceeds the threshold for a second consecutive season, they would face a 30 percent surcharge — up from 20 percent — on any overage plus a penalty when it comes to draft pick compensation from losing their own free agents with qualifying offers next offseason.
A Quick Payroll Update Following Jake Odorizzi’s Signing
