After missing out on signing Blake Snell in free agency, it has been reported by The Athletic's Chandler Rome that the Astros are not currently pursuing any starting pitchers on the free agent market.

Astros GM Dana Brown made it clear that Snell was a unique opportunity to sign a real difference maker to the team. He believes there are no longer any free agent pitchers available that are upgrades over the depth the Astros already have on the roster.

Which sounds a little strange considering World Series champion Jordan Montgomery remains unsigned. Brown should be familiar with Montgomery's work, considering he had a huge part in bouncing Houston from the ALCS in 2023.

Montgomery appeared in three games in that series, recording two wins. His postseason ERA is actually lower than Blake Snell's. So the thought that Montgomery isn't any better than JP France or Brandon Bielak is absurd.

Perhaps Brown wasn't including Montgomery in his comments because of how much money he will command. That's the only way his statement makes any sense.

Speaking of Bielak, the Astros are stretching him out in case they need him as a starter with Jose Urquidy likely out until the middle of May with forearm discomfort. Justin Verlander will also begin the season on IL.

Bielak threw 62 pitches in his last outing. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart is reporting that Bielak is working on throwing more first pitch strikes.

"Of pitchers with at least 50 innings last year, he was second-to-last in the Major Leagues with 51.1 percent first-pitch strikes."

Hopefully, he improves on that this season. His ERA is over five this spring in the Grapefruit League.

Finally, Astros prospect Joey Loperfido has been a revelation. Is there a chance he makes the big league roster?

Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!