The Astros have used MLB veterans to fill out their bullpen in recent years. This year, they seem likely to cycle through several low-cost options to find effective options. I assess this shift
Personally, I am really excited to see whether Sousa can continue his strong finish from 2023. If I'm not mistaken, the Astros indicated he would've made the postseason roster if he had been acquired in time to be postseason eligible. It sounds like they like him a lot and will give him every chance to be successful.
As for the others, I am optimistic that they can find success particularly in platoon opportunities. For example, Seth Martinez might return to prior form if he can be deployed in (limited to) primarily RHB opportunities. Similarly, Parker Mushinski may find more success if limited to LHB work.
Of course, innings need to be covered and there's the batter minimum to consider. You can't hide behind platoon splits forever over the course of 162 games. But, perhaps the presence of the dominant 7-8-9 of Abreu-Pressly-Hader and more LHP in the bullpen than in prior years, enables more mixing and matching in those middle innings.
Personally, I am really excited to see whether Sousa can continue his strong finish from 2023. If I'm not mistaken, the Astros indicated he would've made the postseason roster if he had been acquired in time to be postseason eligible. It sounds like they like him a lot and will give him every chance to be successful.
As for the others, I am optimistic that they can find success particularly in platoon opportunities. For example, Seth Martinez might return to prior form if he can be deployed in (limited to) primarily RHB opportunities. Similarly, Parker Mushinski may find more success if limited to LHB work.
Of course, innings need to be covered and there's the batter minimum to consider. You can't hide behind platoon splits forever over the course of 162 games. But, perhaps the presence of the dominant 7-8-9 of Abreu-Pressly-Hader and more LHP in the bullpen than in prior years, enables more mixing and matching in those middle innings.