Honestly, there probably isn’t a lot to do as currently constructed.
One of my criticisms about the Astros earlier in the year was the lack of starting pitching on the depth chart. Let me rephrase that — available and proven starting pitchers, something every contender needs on its roster. Lance McCullers Jr. and José Urquidy were frequently mentioned throughout the first half as potential reinforcements who could possibly contribute at some point. The hope was, with improved health and good fortune, Houston could eventually settle in with their projected rotation with some interesting arms on the fringe to step in when required. J.P. France, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, take your pick. Again, there wasn’t exactly a lack of names.
But on paper, that depth chart was a solid plan. But the paper a depth chart is written upon can be altered or even destroyed. And, mercy, it didn’t even last Spring Training without some creative adjustments. The Astros opened the season with Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Brown, France, and Blanco in the rotation. Not exactly what everyone envisioned at the time. But due to the sheer amount of injuries, it was a necessity. Thankfully, through a combination of adding Yusei Kikuchi and internal improvement, there was some depth to at least finish the season on a high note. But make no mistake: There was little in terms of proven depth remaining.
So, here we are, with the Astros on the outside looking in this late into October. A strange sight for these eyes who have spent the last seven seasons watching this team advance to at least the ALCS. But this is the current reality. Looking ahead into next season with little else to write about at the moment, the rotation, as currently constructed, looks like a respectable group of hurlers with some upside.
- Framber Valdez
- Hunter Brown
- Ronel Blanco
- Luis García
- Spencer Arrighetti
Valdez will be the team’s top starter, with Brown likely following him as the staff’s number two. Blanco has earned his way into a prominent role following his breakout in 2024 with Arrighetti and the hopefully returning Luis García. McCullers Jr., France, Javier, and Urquidy will all have an opportunity in 2025 if their respective rehabs progress well. But, much like earlier this season, it feels a bit irresponsible to depend on smooth rehabs for reinforcements if a need again arises. Yes, there are promising arms like Ryan Gusto, Miguel Ullola, and A.J. Blubaugh to monitor, but Houston will likely need to sign at least one innings eater veteran — Kikuchi or someone else — to help stabilize the depth chart.
Barring another rash of injuries, there is much to like about this projected rotation next season. I’m curious to see if Brown, Blanco, and Arrighetti can carry over their progress from 2024 into 2025. García, to me, is arguably the most intriguing pitcher on the roster, as he showed some impressive development with a renewed emphasis on throwing his cutter more before he needed Tommy John surgery in 2023. Regardless, I’d like Dana Brown to at least add another starter to help alleviate the burden on pitchers who at least matched or exceeded previous career-highs in innings pitched in 2024.