Houston Astros: Recent relief signings crucial for next season
By Kyle Cardoza
The Houston Astros ranked 17th in ERA, but are improving that crew by acquiring two seasoned pitchers.
The weakness of the Houston Astros last season – during both the regular season and playoffs – was its bullpen. But general manager Jeff Luhnow helped his club’s cause by acquiring two solid relievers over the past few days.
Joe Smith signed a two-year, $15 million contract Thursday. Then former Cubs closer Hector Rondon joined the crew Friday by taking a two-year, $8.5 million deal.
The Astros still need to sign a southpaw for the pen, although the addition of Anthony Gose could be a beneficial risk. Analysts whispered rumors about Francisco Liriano earlier this week, but following a rocky season last year, Houston may back away from the table.
There are plenty of left-handed options still on the market, with Tony Watson at the forefront. However, even if the Astros return from Florida with just Smith and Rondon, they still boast a solid relief squad.
And even those two signings could be the difference between a playoff appearance and another World Series appearance.
Rondon spent the previous five seasons on the Cubs’ roster, proving to be a reliable force on the mound. He closed for the team for two-and-a-half years, posting attractive numbers. Then he took a backseat to Aroldis Chapman when the Cuban arrived in 2016.
2014: 64 games, 63 1/3 innings, 2.52 ERA, 29 of 33 saves, 1.06 WHIP, 9.0 K/9
2015: 72 games, 70 innings, 1.67 ERA, 30 of 34 saves, 1.00 WHIP, 8.9 K/9
2016: 38 games, 51 innings, 1.95 ERA, 18 of 22 saves, 0.66 WHIP, 10.8 K/9
Last season was uninspiring compared to Rondon’s other years. He sported a 4.24 ERA as a setup guy and allowed the most home runs in his career. His strikeout rate increased, but so did his walk and hit rate.
Still, he fits well in a deep relief unit, replacing Luke Gregerson, who pitched primarily in the eighth inning.
Smith was a very efficient pitcher in 2017, boasting a 1.037 WHIP. But he was utterly dominant during his short stint in Cleveland. And his 11 years of experience is valuable among a rather inexperienced unit – most pitchers have less than five years of MLB service.
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While an Indian last year, he racked up 20 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings with zero walks. His hit rate remained relatively stable compared to his career numbers, but his accuracy was superb.
Smith is just one more reliable relief pitcher that the Astros can utilize in the late innings.
The likes of Smith, Rondon, and Harris complement the hybrid relievers – Brad Peacock and Chris Devenski.
The seasoned hurlers are safer bets in the Houston bullpen than the more volatile guys like Michael Felix and James Hoyt.
Both have pitched in high-stress situations with games on the line. That’s what the Houston Astros need, especially once the postseason arrives.
Houston could find itself back in the top 10 in relievers ERA. Now, Luhnow can focus on luring a top-tier pitcher to the Lone Star State without having to worry about the pen.
Next: Two relievers took steps forward last season
Well, except for maybe getting a left-handed middle reliever.