The Astros could replace the newly acquired Ace with a potential free agent from the New York Mets

The Houston Astros could use some help on the mound in the future, and since there's a clear opportunity to fix this problem in the offseason, don't be surprised if they do just that.

They will have multiple options to pursue, but if history repeats itself, the Astros are not a team looking to spend big. They don't mind paying their starters, but it's not like this ballclub has been signing free agents to ridiculous contracts in the last decade.

At some point that could change.

However, with Alex Bregman's impending free agency situation looming, that may not be the case this winter. If they decide to spend money, there are a few players Houston should consider.

One of the players who fits this description is Sean Manaea. Manaea could also be Yusei Kikuchi's replacement, as the left-hander will play on a free transfer this winter.

Manaea, who had questions about his abilities on the ground, has silenced any doubts about the team he is over the course of the year. He was one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball, a promising sign for a guy who could opt out of his $13.5 million deal and hit free agency again.

With his show on the mound, it seems all but guaranteed that he will make it. Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly was the latest to predict he would do just that.

“New York is much closer to the version of Manaea who was a borderline ace with the Oakland Athletics, as opposed to the one who was underachieving in single seasons with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants before moving to the Mets… So, Manaea will obviously forgo $13.5 million in 2025. The Mets will likely extend him a one-year qualifying offer worth $21.05 million. He could either accept that and return to the Mets in 2025 or reject it and go for more. However, the total money for a multi-year contract in free agency would mean that any team other than the Mets would have to forgo draft compensation to take him oblige.

Manaea also struggled in the postseason, something the Astros need to keep in mind. This team is built to win in the playoffs, so having guys with experience goes a long way.

During the regular season, he posted an impressive 3.47 ERA and struck out 184 hitters in 181 2/3 innings.

He might have gotten out of Houston, but the 32-year-old might be interested in playing for a team that has had as much success as the Astros over the past decade.