Houston Astros Interested in Adding Starting Pitcher to Rotation

With another starting pitcher in their sights, the Houston Astros may not be done with free agency this offseason.

The Houston Astros could definitely contend for a World Series championship if they entered the 2024 season with their present roster.

They have won seven straight American League Championship Series, and they are just one year away from taking home a championship in 2022, therefore they are still in the thick of their dynasty.

Josh Hader’s free agency signing is a huge help to their bullpen, as they were going to be without four relievers from the previous campaign.

However, it appears that general manager Dana Brown is still keeping an eye out for a new signing, perhaps a starting pitcher.

“Our bullpen is strong, in my opinion. There might be another one we can utilize. However, if we get a starter in the pen, we could use that starter for the pitching. That would take care of that issue,” he said to reporters while being recorded by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.

J.P. France and Hunter Brown are the Astros’ two starting pitchers who are most likely to be converted to relief roles.

Due to injuries to Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia during their rookie seasons, both were called up last season and relied upon to have an effect. There was also Justin Verlander leaving in free agency, leaving a somewhat of a depleted rotation.

It appears like Brown would be the one transferred to the bullpen. During the playoffs, he was already moved into a relief duty.

Before the 2024 season kicks off, Houston’s general manager may be looking for some inexpensive starting options, but it’s also important to remember that McCullers and Garcia will be returning this season.

Their rotation should benefit from that.

The Astros still have enough to compete with any team in the league, but it would be much more likely if they could resolve their pitching dilemma.