Houston Astros choose Forrest Whitley over James Paxton

Houston Astros fans might protest against the front office’s most recent decision. Throughout the season, they may ask whether keeping Forrest Whitley instead of gaining James Paxton was worth it.

The Houston Astros had an opportunity to acquire one of the best starting pitchers in the league. But instead, the front office placed its trust in a top prospect.

James Paxton is an elite pitcher – someone that could turn Houston into next year’s World Series favorites. But the front office decided the Canadian southpaw was not worth multiple top prospects.

More explicitly, the Astros did not believe Paxton was worth Forrest Whitley.

Seattle had interest in bargaining with their division rivals. Yet, the Astros were unwilling to part with the first-round pick from 2016, which eliminated any chance for the blockbuster trade.

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees did not support the same idea, sending top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield to the Mariners. The question is whether that sacrifice will be worth it.

If the move results in New York’s 28th World Series title, it will be worth it. That would also essentially sour Houston and Boston fans, as they are two of the main contenders.

General manager Jeff Luhnow thinks highly of Whitley, and so does manager A.J. Hinch.

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The top pitching prospect had intentions of joining the club’s rotation once rosters expanded. But instead, he dealt with an oblique injury and pitched in the Arizona Fall League to rack up more innings.

Nevertheless, Whitley has shown why he’s one of the most-promising prospects in the MLB.

The lanky right-hander averaged more than 10 strikeouts per innings pitched in every league he pitched in. His most impressive performances were in Double-A in 2017, when he sported a 1.84 ERA and registered a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Even last season, Whitley had an uninspiring 3.86 ERA, but opponents boasted a meager .160 average against him. Once he gains more strength and improves his command, he is capable of becoming an ace.

That’s what Houston expects, though the Astros might not anticipate him to adjust as quickly as some pitchers have, such as Luis Severino or Blake Snell. Yet, the front office must believe Whitley can play a critical role during the next two seasons.

If Whitley thrusts himself into the top of the rotation rapidly, then Houston fans won’t criticize the decision to keep him. But if New York claims another title and becomes the powerhouse it once was, Astros fans may have a bad taste in their mouths.