The Astros were already facing the loss of relievers Hector Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek via free agency, and they’ll now also be without righty Kendall Graveman for the 2024 season after he underwent shoulder surgery. The team announced Graveman’s operation earlier today, declining to delve into specifics, but subtracting him from the ’pen equation leaves Ryan Pressly, … [Read more...] about Brown: Graveman Injury Does Not Intensify Astros’ Bullpen Pursuit
West Notes: Astros, Padres, Dodgers
The Astros have made it clear that adding to their relief corps is a priority this winter, with interest in the likes of Robert Stephenson as well as Jordan Hicks before the latter signed with the Giants last week. One avenue the club doesn’t appear to be exploring, at least for the moment, is a reunion with right-hander Phil Maton. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, … [Read more...] about West Notes: Astros, Padres, Dodgers
Astros Outright Joel Kuhnel
Right-hander Joel Kuhnel has cleared outright waivers, the Astros informed reporters (including Chandler Rome of the Athletic). He has the right to elect free agency since this is his second career outright assignment; the team didn’t announce whether he’ll do so. Houston had designated him for assignment last week as the corresponding move for their waiver claim of Declan … [Read more...] about Astros Outright Joel Kuhnel
Astros, Kyle Tucker Avoid Arbitration
The Astros and Kyle Tucker have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $12MM salary for 2024, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The outfielder is a client of Excel Sports Management. Tucker, 27 next week, is coming off another excellent season at the plate. He hit 29 home runs, just one beneath the even 30 he hit in each of the previous two campaigns. He also drew walks in 11.9% … [Read more...] about Astros, Kyle Tucker Avoid Arbitration
Astros, Framber Valdez Avoid Arbitration
The Astros and left-hander Framber Valdez have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $12.1MM salary for the 2024 season, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Valdez, 30, took something of a step back last year from a standout 2022 campaign that saw the southpaw post a 2.82 ERA while leading the AL with 201 1/3 frames en route to a top 5 finish in AL Cy Young award voting. … [Read more...] about Astros, Framber Valdez Avoid Arbitration