It has been roughly three long weeks since the Astros signed backup catcher Dustin Garneau to a one-year deal. If you don’t remember this news, well, I don’t blame you. In the meantime, we’ve seen Gerrit Cole trade in his majestic beard for pinstripes, Anthony Rendon’s decision to forgo his national loyalty for a heavenly one, and even more sign stealing news. This offseason hasn’t exactly been kind to the Astros for a plethora of reasons.
That said, there is a bit of positive news to report as free-agent reliever Joe Smith has agreed to keep Houston his professional home for the next two seasons.