ASTROS INVEST IN PITCHING
Astros strike a deal and solidify their starting rotation moving forward
Mar 24, 2021, 4:10 pm
Lance McCullers will stay in Houston. Composite image by Jack Brame.
With concerns about Framber Valdez's health, let's examine the Astros rotation
Mark Berman is reporting that the Astros and Lance McCullers Jr. have agreed on a contract extension. McCullers said earlier this spring that he would like to stay in Houston, but wasn't sure if he was in the Astros' plans. Well, it looks like he got his answer. The deal is reported to be a 5-year contract worth $85 million.
With Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke decent bets to move on from Houston after the 2021 season, this deal makes a lot of sense for the Astros. Verlander could possibly agree to a prove-it deal with the team after the 2021 season, but my guess would be this move means Greinke won't be an Astro after 2021.
McCullers has been a terrific pitcher at Minute Maid Park posting a career home ERA of 2.51. Every other ballpark his ERA jumps to 4.99. If McCullers can pitch just a little better on the road, you have to like this deal for Houston.
MLB source: Lance McCullers Jr and the #Astros have reached an agreement on a five-year extension. So Lance is tied to the Astros for six years.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 24, 2021
McCullers $85M deal begins in 2022. So through 2026. Limited no-trade clause.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2021
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Right-handed relief pitcher Kendall Graveman has finalized a $1.35 million, one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team said Monday.
The 34-year-old Graveman figures to add depth to the D-backs bullpen and could compete for the closer’s role. He missed last season following surgery in January 2024 to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.
Since he switched to a full-time relief role in 2021, he has a 2.74 ERA and 193 strikeouts over 187 1/3 innings.
Graveman first pitched in the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014 and went on to the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.
He last pitched for the White Sox and Astros in 2023, finishing the season with a 3.12 ERA over 68 appearances. He has a 37-43 record over nine MLB seasons with a 3.95 ERA and 24 saves.