Astros hope to boost offense, look to youth next season

"That needs to be addressed, whether it's a combination of those guys coming back after disappointing years and really performing the way we know they're able to next year, or us addressing the needs in free agency," Luhnow said. "We're going to look long and hard on that."

The Astros' $45 million payroll figures to jump because of the additions they'll have to make to keep some of their nine arbitration-eligible players, including Fowler ($7.85 million in '14), Carter ($510,000) and catcher Jason Castro ($2.45 million). All will get significant raises.

Having Springer in the lineup daily will be a huge boost to the offense, but they'll be looking to add some power in the outfield, which becomes a must when the corner infielders aren't producing it.

"We feel good about the starting pitching, but we need to improve our offense," Luhnow said. "We cut down on the strikeouts and I think our guys are getting better with their approach."

Another area the club will address in free agency or trades is the bullpen. Houston tried to shore up its bullpen a year ago by signing Chad Qualls, Matt Albers, Jesse Crain and Jerome Williams, but Albers pitched in only eight games and Crain never got on the mound. Williams was cut loose in June.

With club on the cusp of finally sorting out its television stalemate, Luhnow said there's "going to be substantial resources" to keep the arbitration-eligible players, as well as having some money to spend in free agency.

Arbitration-eligible: RHP Anthony Bass, DH Chris Carter, C Jason Castro, C Carlos Corporan, CF Dexter Fowler, IF Marwin Gonzalez, OF/IF Jesus Guzman, OF Alex Presley, LHP Tony Sipp.

Free agents: RHP Matt Albers ($3 million club option for 2015), RHP Jesse Crain, RHP Jose Veras.

Rotation: The top three in the rotation are set with veteran Scott Feldman, left-hander Dallas Keuchel and rookie revelation Collin McHugh all coming off solid seasons, with Keuchel emerging as an ace. Lefty Brett Oberholtzer did an admirable job as the fourth starter and figures to remain in the mix for the final two spots entering 2015 with Brad Peacock, who was inconsistent this year, and youngsters Jake Buchanan, Mike Foltynewicz and Nick Tropeano

Bullpen: This will be near the top of Luhnow's offseason to-do list. Last winter's signings of veterans Albers and Crain were a whiff as both were injured all season. Qualls did a nice job at closer (with the exception of facing the A's), but the Astros could use another proven arm or two to lock down more games. Lefty Tony Sipp was a solid pickup and should return. Josh Fields emerged as a solid option, while fellow youngsters Josh Zeid and Kevin Chapman were a mixed bag. Luhnow hinted he wants Veras to return as well.

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Astros hope to boost offense, look to youth next season