Houston Astros still need to add an additional starting pitcher
By Kyle Cardoza
Baseball’s biggest contenders have remained relatively quiet this offseason, with the Houston Astros being at the top of that list. But at some point, the American League West team will need to add a pitcher in the rotation.
The Houston Astros have been extremely quiet this offseason. The front office has yet to make a major acquisition – Michael Brantley’s addition doesn’t below in this category.
And what likely makes Houston fans anxious is the team’s need for a starting pitcher. Throughout December, analysts and fans alike expected general manager Jeff Luhnow to reel in a mid-tier start like J.A. Happ or at least re-sign fan favorite Charlie Morton.
Yet the Astros remained set with their current roster. However, that may not be the case by the time Spring Training arrives.
A few free agent pitchers are worthy of the team’s interest, such as Gio Gonzalez and Drew Pomeranz. But signing any free agent for the sake of having another back-end starter may not be an intelligent move financially.
Houston is more inclined to accept a blockbuster trade that improves the rotation considerably. Ace pitchers Corey Kluber and Noah Syndergaard were deemed available earlier this offseason, though that may be irrelevant now.
But some pitchers remain on rebuilding teams, such as Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray, that will likely be moved. Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman are two other options.
The question remains whether the Astros are confident enough in their current rotation that they can wait until the trade deadline before making a deal that could backfire. Any swap for a top pitcher on the trade block will require multiple top prospects.
Houston declined to move either Forrest Whitley or Kyle Tucker when negotiating for Gerrit Cole, and it worked. But it will be rather difficult for Luhnow and company to obtain another ace without offering a top prospect or a package of a handful of high-end prospects.
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The Astros boast a multitude of MLB-ready pitchers throughout the farm system. Guys like Framber Valdez and Cionel Perez have experience pitching in the bigs and as starters. Whitley will at some point make the leap into a Houston jersey.
Thus the front office may stick it out. Pitching coach Brent Strom is an award-winning sensei that enhances nearly every Astros pitcher’s success.
The team also has other roster spots to fill. J.T Realmuto still remains a legitimate target in the field, and Houston also needs additional relief pitchers to substitute Collin McHugh. An additional designated hitter could be required in case Tyler White or Brantley get injured prior to the season.
It’s evident the Astros have an imminent need in the rotation. Yet, Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch understand that Houston is the reigning AL West champions in a relatively weak division.
Next. Will Houston seek help in the bullpen?. dark
The front office can bide its time and focus elsewhere before pulling the trigger on a mid- or top-tier starter. But Houston is essentially guaranteed to make a paramount addition at some point – either now or prior to the trade deadline.