Houston Astros: Southpaw options for next year’s bullpen
By Kyle Cardoza
Jake McGee
Greg Holland will get a much-deserved shot of winning the Comeback Player of the Year award, but McGee should be mentioned in that category as well.
While Holland earned the second-most saves in the National League, McGee set up a good amount of them. Along with Mike Dunn and Adam Ottavino, the left-hander was nearly automatic in his setup role.
He was also arguably the Rockies’ best reliever, although Chris Rusin and Holland can also deserve that title. Nevertheless, after a rocky season last year in Colorado, McGee was much more consistent and a favorite option for manager Bud Black.
Until 2016, McGee followed an even-year trend, flourishing in 2012 and 2014. But in 2011 and 2013, he owned horrid numbers, including a 4.00-plus ERA both seasons. He rebounded well in 2015 before suffering his worst campaign last year. In 45.2 innings, he compiled a 4.73 ERA while accruing a subpar 38 strikeouts.
Then he regained his rhythm this past season, managing a solid 3.61 ERA and 20 holds. Although his strikeout rate didn’t match what it used to be during his Rays’ career, he still bumped it up above average with 9.10 K/9.
Like many Colorado pitchers, McGee was lights out on the road. But he’s still had issues becoming accustomed to the Rocky Mountain air. He allowed all of his four home runs at home, and hitters fared much better against him at Coors Field than elsewhere. His batting average against split was .275 at home and .176 on the road.
Most importantly, McGee proved that he can confound opposing hitters in the American League. And considering that he’s not as elite as he once was, Houston’s general manager Jeff Lehnow might be able to score a discount.