The Houston Astros face a real problem at Daikin Park. The stadium is not kind to pitchers, especially those who struggle with right-handed hitters. In 2026, the park had a home run factor of 113, which is very high by Sports Illustrated’s standards. Right-handed batters hit even more homers there, with a factor of 117. The left-field porch is only 315 feet, making it easy for power hitters to clear the fence.
Houston pitchers allowed 204 home runs in 2026, the second-highest total in the majors, trailing only the Athletics. That makes limiting home runs a significant priority for the Astros this offseason. The team needs a pitcher who can keep the ball on the ground or in the strike zone. Michael Soroka from the Arizona Diamondbacks looks like a smart fit for this specific need. Limiting home runs is something he has proven possible without depending on strikeouts for survival.
Why Soroka Makes Sense for Houston
Soroka offers a balance that other options lack. The Astros looked at Dustin May and Casey Mize, but both have shown vulnerability to home runs. Last year Clay Holmes had a 20.7% home run rate on pulled balls, which rose to 29.4% this season. May improved his numbers, but Mize’s decline is worrying, with his expected FIP rising from 6.60 to 8.45.
Soroka is different. He had his best season back in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. He posted a 2.68 ERA and a 3.85 xFIP across 29 starts. That year, he threw 174 and two-thirds innings and recorded 4.0 fWAR. He was a revelation then, and his recent recovery from injury suggests he could be that pitcher again. He does not need to strike everyone out to be effective.
The Mets Need Bigger Stars
While Houston might sign Soroka, the New York Mets should not settle for a mid-tier addition. The Mets are in a different league when it comes to spending. They have the cash to make a record-setting deal for a true ace like Tarik Skubal. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report placed the Mets at the top of the list for Skubal. He noted that the front office is not afraid to spend money to win.
Reuter wrote, “In terms of sheer spending power and roster need, there is no more obvious landing spot for Skubal on a record-setting, long-term deal.” The Mets have already spent big on Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander in the past. They need to keep that momentum going this winter. Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander, posted a combined 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts in 158â…” innings between Detroit and Los Angeles in 2026. After being traded to the Dodgers in August, he recorded a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 62 innings.
Skubal was traded from the Detroit Tigers in August 2026. Detroit selected Skubal in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft with the 255th overall pick. His most productive year was 2025, when he had a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts. The Mets need to show him a clear path to the World Series.
