How latest reports could impact Astros' philosophy moving forward

TIME TO PIVOT?

Astros Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown
Is it already too late to extend Framber Valdez and/or Hunter Brown? Composite Getty Image.

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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Astros keep doing this, and it’s getting hard to ignore

The Astros beat the Phillies, 2-0. Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images.

Victor Caratini homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a run and the Houston Astros shut out the Philadelphia Phillies for a second straight game with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night.

Houston starter Colton Gordon (3-1) allowed four singles and struck out four in five innings.

Josh Hader struck out one in the ninth for his 21st save.

Jeremy Peña hit a leadoff ground-rule double and scored on a groundball single by Isaac Paredes to give Houston an early lead.

Houston’s pitching staff had retired nine straight when Brandon Marsh singled to right field off Bryan King with one out in the eighth. Trea Turner’s single on a grounder to center field sent Marsh to third before Kyle Schwarber singled on an infield grounder to load the bases.

But, King struck out Alec Bohm before Nick Castellanos grounded out to leave Philadelphia emptyhanded.

Caratini’s solo shot came with two outs in the bottom of the inning to give the Astros an insurance run.

Wednesday’s win comes after the Astros got a 1-0 victory in Tuesday’s series opener. Houston is now tied with Philadelphia and Chicago for the third-best record in baseball (47-33).

Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler (7-3) yielded four hits and a run while striking out eight in six innings.

The Phillies had runners on first and second with one out in the fifth, but Gordon struck out Marsh and Turner to end the threat.

Jake Meyers sprinted to make a catch on the warning track in center field on a ball hit by Bryson Stott for the second out of the seventh inning.

Key moment

King shutting the Phillies down after loading the bases in the eighth to preserve the lead.

Key stat

Wednesday was the sixth time the Phillies have been shut out this season. Philadelphia has not scored a run in 19 straight innings.

Up next

Houston RHP Hunter Brown (8-3, 1.88 ERA), whose ERA leads the majors, opposes LHP Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.87) when the series concludes Thursday.

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