How Astros World Series aspirations just got a lot more interesting
POSTSEASON EVOLUTION
21 August 2024
Justin Verlander returns to the mound on Wednesday! Composite Getty Image.
One bit of positive news we received this week involves Justin Verlander and his return to game action against the Red Sox on Wednesday.
We're still waiting for Alex Bregman to return to the lineup, and who knows when we'll finally see Kyle Tucker. But we do expect them to be back at some point.
When that time arrives, what should we expect?
Bregman was finally getting hot, like he does every August. Will he pick right up where he left off?
And what about Verlander and Tucker? What version of them should we expect?
For Verlander, you have to think he's 100% ready to come back. If he needed another couple of weeks, there's plenty of season left to take more time.
He last pitched on June 9th before going on the injured list, so he should be ready to go on August 21. Two months off from a sore neck should be plenty of time.
In Tucker's case, the Astros have been so offensively challenged in the outfield that 70% of Tucker should be an upgrade.
The Astros are on a roll!
Considering how well the Astros have been playing without some of their best players, it is possible for them to win it all without them?
Plus, the Astros have 20 of 36 games remaining against elite teams once the 'Stros head to Baltimore. As for the Mariners, they only have 11 games left against top quality teams.
So even with a 5 game lead over Seattle, the race for the division isn't over yet!
Be sure to watch the video above to hear the full discussion!
*Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Astros starter Hunter Brown had a breakout season in 2024, after struggling mightily in 2023, when he posted an ERA over five. And while that's good news for the team heading into 2025, it could present some challenges when looking at the big picture.
That's because we're already hearing speculation that Brown won't be willing to sign an extension with the Astros, preferring to wait until free agency to entertain any long-term contract offers. Some reports indicate Brown had interest in signing a deal last year, but Houston may have missed their window. It's hard to blame the Astros front office for not offering Brown an extension after a miserable 2023 season, but could this development change how the Astros operate moving forward?
Brown won't be a free agent until 2029, so it's not like he's going anywhere anytime soon. But his hiring of Scott Boras suggests he's not looking to give Houston a hometown discount.
Astros ace Framber Valdez is only one season away from free agency, and based on what the market is telling us, he will likely command a contract in the $200 million range. And while his resume is certainly better than Brown's, he's five years older than Hunter, and has a lower strikeout rate.
So if we're projecting forward, which pitcher has more value? Brown is younger and has incredible upside, but he also only has one good season under his belt. While Framber has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball since 2020.
Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein debate which pitcher has more value, and how that could impact the way the Astros manage their young players moving forward.
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