Here’s why Astros pitching looks primed for new ways to dominate

ARMS RACE

Here’s why Astros pitching looks primed for new ways to dominate
JP France and Cristian Javier have new pitches to play with! Composite Getty Image.

Over the weekend, we got a surprising amount of updates from Houston Astros spring training.

Corey Julks now has two home runs this spring, with Jeremy Pena still sitting a zero. His falloff in power production last season is continuing so far in 2024.

Trey Cabbage, who the Astros traded for in late January, may not make the club and is likely to start the season in Sugar Land. He's gone 3-23 this spring with 10 strikeouts. Jon Singleton appears to be the guy behind Jose Abreu at first base.

What about the pitching?

Justin Verlander is ramping up his intensity in throwing sessions, reaching the low-nineties with his fastball. Verlander won't be ready for Opening Day, but isn't expected to miss too much time. Speaking of which, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is having an MRI on his elbow after dealing with some discomfort and inability to bounce-back after pitching. It wouldn't be surprising if Cole, like Verlander, won't be ready when the two teams face off to start the season.

Cristian Javier is having some success with his changeup, a new pitch he's added to his arsenal this season. Javier is also using a slide step in his delivery, to help keep the run game in check. He was one of the slowest pitchers to the plate last year, and was entirely too easy to steal bases off of. Having a quality third pitch could work wonders against hitters trying to hunt his fastball.

JP France appears on track to start the season on time and is working on a new pitch himself. France is adding a sinker to keep hitters off balance, as it's the only pitch he has that runs in on right-handed hitters. By working this pitch inside to righties, it should keep hitters honest as they won't be able to dive over the plate.

Jose Altuve has been giving France feedback on the new pitch by standing in the batter's box and sharing his observations.

The Astros also made a few moves over the weekend, with pitchers Spencer Arrighetti and Forrest Whitley being sent down to minor-league camp.

Plus, we react to Chandler Rome's roster projections for the 2024 season, and much more!

Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion.

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More moves could be on the horizon for Houston. Composite Getty Image.

Most Astros fans have come to terms with how the team is taking shape for the 2025 season. We've heard reports that the club is looking to avoid the competitive balance tax this year, which means Christian Walker is the only big piece joining Houston through free agency.

But according to a recent report from MLB insider Hector Gomez, the 'Stros may have another big move in the works.

Certainly, signing Anthony Santander would force the Astros to pay the competitive balance tax once again. Something we didn't believe they would entertain. But we all thought the same thing last year until the club shocked the world by signing Josh Hader to a 5-year, $95 million contract.

The fit makes a lot of sense, considering how bad the outfield projects to be this season. And the reported contract offer, is basically the same deal Houston signed Walker to, but with one additional year at about $20 million. So who knows, maybe the Astros have one big move left in them.

Scott Boras strikes again?

The Athletic's Chandler Rome shared some insight on how contract negotiations could play out with Hunter Brown, who's represented by Boras.

Rome made the case that Houston may have already missed the window to strike a deal with Brown, similar to the contract Cristian Javier signed with the club before the 2023 season.

Rome made an interesting point when he said players don't typically hire an agent like Boras just to negotiate a deal that buys up arbitration years.

Which is pretty wild to think about considering Brown only has one good season under his belt. Javier was a more proven player when he inked his extension, and that deal hasn't aged well, with Javier regressing in 2024 before having season-ending Tommy John surgery.

If Rome is correct and Brown is looking to hit the open market, it's not the end of the world. He's under team control for the next four years. However, one thing is for certain, the Astros will be counting on Brown and Javier to anchor this rotation moving forward after Framber Valdez likely leaves after the 2025 season.

If Dana Brown can't strike a deal with Brown, perhaps Yainer Diaz could be an option. He's on the same timeline as Brown when it comes to reaching free agency. Hopefully, he doesn't hire Boras anytime soon.

Finally, why are we still hearing rumblings about Alex Bregman being connected to the Astros? NorthJersey.com's Pete Caldera is predicting Bregman will sign a $175 million deal with the 'Stros.

And what's with this recent post from former Astros front office member Reggie Jackson?

It's technically possible the Astros could bring back Bregman and trade Isaac Paredes, but we're not counting on it.

Plus, we've heard reports about the Astros looking to dump Ryan Pressly's salary. But would the club be better off waiting until the trade deadline to do so?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!


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