Forrest Whitley
Baseball fans in general might know Whitley, who is one of the better pitching prospects in the league. And he could be called up even before the roster expands in September.
That’s how good he is.
Whitley disappointed Astros fans in February when he was suspended 50 games for violating the league’s drug policy. He was days away from earning an invitation to Spring Training.
But it gave him motivation to be better. And ironically, the time off allowed Whitley to prepare for the upcoming season, one in which he entered as the organization’s top pitching prospect.
Since his return to the mound, he’s been solid despite a bloated 4.29 ERA. His stats in other categories don’t suggest an ERA that high.
His numbers in Double-A look similar to numbers from last season – with just more earned runs. He’s allowed 14 hits and eight walks across 21 innings. However, he also sports 30 strikeouts in that span.
That’s because his repertoire is already MLB-ready.
Whitley’s fastball-curveball combo is powerful and perplexing. His velocity sits in the mid-90s, while his 12-6 spinner keeps hitters on their heels. The lanky 6-foot-7 right-hander also wields an above-average slider and changeup already too.
But if the Astros promote him, it wouldn’t be as a starter. Barring a serious injury, it is highly unlikely that any other pitcher outside the starting five will get a start. Since Houston’s starting rotation ranks first in the league, it makes sense.
Instead, Whitley would provide extra firepower in the bullpen. Though manager A.J. Hinch probably wouldn’t risk using him in a closing role, he could be a solid setup option.
And experience is always good for a top-tier prospect, even at an early age.