One of my regular criticisms in the past two years leading up to this offseason was the Astros’ lack of urgency in addressing their starting pitcher depth. While it was seemingly Jim Crane who drove a reunion with Justin Verlander in 2023, parting ways with Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford in the process, Dana Brown decided to trade Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido, and Will Wagner for Yusei Kikuchi last summer. Houston parted ways with five prospects of varying regard for 38 starts from two veteran pitchers. That’s a heavy price to pay, even if you like those trades and taking into account the team’s current contention window. I didn’t care much about the reunion with Verlander, but Kikuchi’s performance across his ten starts was remarkable.
But, for the first time in a few years, the Astros arguably have adequate depth in the rotation at the onset of the season, at least on paper. To be clear, there is certainly room for this position to change. Pitchers are throwing on borrowed time, especially in today’s high-velocity climate. But this club still has some options, even when a pitcher or two will undoubtedly miss time.
Rotation Depth
- Framber Valdez
- Hunter Brown
- Ronel Blanco
- Spencer Arrighetti
- Hayden Wesneski
- Ryan Gusto
- Colton Gordon
- Luis Garcia – will start the season on the IL
- Lance McCullers Jr. – will start the season on the IL
- Cristian Javier – will start the season on the IL
- J.P. France – will start the season on the IL
The Astros’ list of options isn’t sparse, including pitchers who will start the season on the IL. There is some risk involved within this group of IL pitchers, as there is no guarantee that we’ll see Cristian Javier or J.P. France this year. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are expected back at some point early in the season, but again, there is no guarantee. However, if both Garcia and McCullers are brought back and prove effective, Joe Espada could have multiple starting options, including possibly utilizing a six-man rotation at times.
There is also Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon to keep in mind. While the farm system isn’t exactly well-regarded in the industry, the Astros don’t have a lack of intriguing arms. You can classify Gusto and Gordon as belonging to that intriguing group with this organization’s history of pitching development. The former was scheduled to make his Major League debut in Game 162 against the Guardians before it was canceled due to rain. Gusto may be the first starter promoted from the minors when an opening does occur, so I look forward to him making his Major League debut this year. While those aren’t the only two pitching prospects to monitor, they are already on the 40-man roster. The odds of seeing them promoted this year feel pretty high. A.J. Blubaugh is another pitcher to watch, as he is likely on the shortlist to be added to the 40-man roster in due time.
Any overflow from the rotation could also benefit the bullpen. Wesneski is the likely first choice to be converted back to a reliever if there isn’t an opening in the rotation. He has experience with that kind of swingman role with the Cubs. Ronel Blanco, too. I like it when a team has options to utilize some flexibility with their starting rotation. If everything proceeds smoothly, the Astros can enjoy that luxury a bit in 2025. I feel relatively comfortable with this staff. Now, I only hope that I am not proven wrong in that confidence.