If Daisuke Matsuzaka wants to continue his major league career his best option may be signing a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros.
Matsuzaka is currently a free agent after spending six largely unproductive seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
Since a 18 win season that saw him post a 2.90 ERA in 2008 the now 32-year-old has been injury prone and unproductive. Over the last four seasons Matsuzaka is 17-22 with a 5.53 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Only once during that four year span has he appeared in more then 12 games.
A minor league deal is the only option for Matsuzaka who could return to Japan if he fails to earn a roster spot.
The Houston Astros represent the best option for Matsuzaka. The reason should be obvious, they have nothing.
Houston’s rotation is a patch work of other teams end of rotation starters combined with minor leagues who were promoted to the majors because the team had no better options. The Astros have two starters who are capable, Bud Norris and Lucas Harrell.
As many as three rotation spots could be up for grabs this spring. Erik Bedard is the only non-roster invitee to spring training that figures to contest for a rotation spot.
Winning will not come in Houston but playing time will.
The Mets and Indians have also been linked to Matsuzaka.
