How Forrest Whitley can still help the Astros win a World Series
ASTROS ROUNDTABLE
18 July 2019
ASTROS ROUNDTABLE
There was a lot of excitement heading into the season about Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley.
Whitley is having a terrible year in the minors, and also has missed some time which has Astros fans wondering if the team missed their window to trade the young fireballer.
ESPN 97.5's John Granato, Raheel Ramzanali, and Del Olaleye discuss Astros GM Jeff Luhnow's approach with prospects, and if he holds onto them for too long.
Power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with Houston, according to a report from ESPN.
JABARI SMITH JR. GOT PAID 💰
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/g28YXK1i8t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2025
The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed and would keep Smith in a Rockets uniform through the 2030–31 season.
Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.2 points and seven rebounds last season, starting 39 of the 57 games he played. While injuries and inconsistency limited his minutes at times, the 21-year-old showed flashes of the two-way potential that made him a top lottery pick, and someone the Rockets clearly see as part of their long-term foundation.
The move signals continued trust in the franchise’s young core and a commitment to internal development as Houston builds toward sustained playoff contention.
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