Here's the definitive case for Astros doubling down on this specific need
TOP PRIORITY
14 November 2023
We learned a fair amount from the GM meetings with Dana Brown speaking to the media about the club's outlook for 2024.
Brown made it seem like the team isn't looking to spend much money in free agency, with a backup catcher and possibly some pitching being on the top of their priority list.
Super agent Scott Boras also had some interesting comments about how the pitch clock led to a rash of injuries to pitchers in 2023. And as we look at the Astros rotation moving forward, there's a lot of uncertainty to factor in. Justin Verlander is another year older, and missed time due to injury early in the 2023 season. We're also back to not knowing which Framber Valdez will show up from start to start. Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier regressed significantly, and who knows what can be expected from Jose Urquidy after more injuries and an ERA over 5.
Martin Maldonado could fill the need for a backup catcher, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. So that leaves pitching as the team's top priority in our opinion.
The bullpen could use some attention, with Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek, and Hector Neris heading to free agency, but the starting rotation is where we're focused. For the reasons mentioned above, and because Dana Brown said we shouldn't expect Lance McCullers and Luis Garcia to return from injury until July.
And let's be honest, it's hard to count on Lance McCullers moving forward with his injury history. Plus, Luis Garcia's pitch count will be limited coming off Tommy John surgery. If injuries continue to pile up due to the pitch clock and other factors, the Astros may very well need another middle of the rotation pitcher to eat up innings this season.
Many fans would like to see an upgrade in the outfield, but it doesn't appear to be a priority for the 'Stros with their salary restrictions. They still have Kyle Tucker, Mauricio Dubon, Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers, and Yordan Alvarez as options in the outfield.
So it's no surprise that Brown views pitching and backup catcher as the team's main focus.
Don't miss the video above as we discuss how the Astros can best deploy their limited payroll for the 2024 season, and much more.
How national media's biggest oversight of Astros plays into their favor
Mar 17, 2025, 4:57 pm
The Houston Astros enter the 2025 season with plenty of question marks, but their starting rotation may quietly be one of the team’s biggest strengths. Despite finishing sixth in team ERA last season, Houston’s pitching staff isn’t getting much love from national outlets. MLB’s official rankings of the top 10 rotations didn’t include the Astros, though division rival Texas claimed the No. 9 spot.
But Houston’s rotation is in a far better position than it was this time last year. Injuries to Justin Verlander and JP France complicated things in spring training, and Ronel Blanco was still an unproven starter. This season, the Astros' rotation is already set, with reinforcements on the way. Lance McCullers Jr. could be ready to return in the coming weeks, and Luis Garcia may not be far behind him.
While the national media focuses on the losses of Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, they aren’t paying as much attention to key additions like Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker. Former MLB GM Jim Bowden predicts a third-place finish for Houston, but the roster still has plenty of firepower.
The Astros’ talent is undeniable. Baseball America ranked eight Astros players in its top 100 list for 2025, tied with the Dodgers for second-most in baseball, trailing only the Braves. MLB Network also placed eight Astros in its top 100, tied for the most with the Mets. Despite these rankings, the Astros continue to fly under the radar.
One of the biggest questions heading into Opening Day is whether Cam Smith or Zach Dezenzo will make the roster. Manager Joe Espada may have tipped his hand, stating he’s “looking beyond the stats” when evaluating Chas McCormick, who is struggling this spring with a .167 average. If McCormick starts in right field and falters, Dezenzo, Smith, and Ben Gamel will be waiting for their shot.
With a solid rotation, key offensive additions, and young talent pushing for playing time, Houston may be far better than some are predicting.
We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we cover the topics above and much, much more!
The countdown to Opening Day is on. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday. Click here to catch!
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