Houston Astros additions and subtractions:
Key Additions: Gerrit Cole, Joe Smith, Hector Rondon
Newcomer to watch: Gerrit Cole. No longer asked to be the ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cole will instead slot in as the Astros fourth starter. He may now be the best fourth starter in baseball.
Cole has had injury concerns in the past, missing time with a triceps strain and elbow inflammation in 2016. Last season, he led the National League with 33 starts, but struggled when he was on the mound His 4.26 ERA (and 4.08 FIP) were the worst of his career, as he was plagued by his 31 home runs allowed. However, Cole had a 1.251 WHiP and a 3.56 K:BB rate, showing that he still had the potential to be a front line starter.
His addition gives Houston another impressive arm, one with postseason experience who can help the Astros withstand another spate of injuries like last year. If healthy, this rotation could be the best in the game.
Key Losses: Luke Gregerson, Mike Fiers, Nori Aoki, Carlos Beltran
Biggest loss: Luke Gregerson. Even though he struggled at times in 2017, Gregerson provided a nice safety net in the back of the Astros bullpen in case Ken Giles suddenly lost the zone.
Originally signed to be the Astros closer, Gregerson did well in that role in 2015, notching 31 saves with a 3.10 ERA and a 0.951 WHiP. Although he lost the role when Giles was acquired prior to 2016, he stepped back in during the during the former Phillie’s struggles, performing well until Giles was ready. He was a valuable veteran presence, someone that could handle any situation the Astros needed him in.
Yes, the Houston Astros strengthened their bullpen this offseason. However, the loss of Luke Gregerson may prove to be far greater than anticipated.