The Houston Astros are facing a pivotal offseason after a rare playoff drought, and their pitching staff is at the heart of the matter. But here's where it gets intriguing: the team's backup plan might just be an upgrade!
The Astros' pitching woes were largely due to injuries, but a deeper rotation could have mitigated the impact. With ace Framber Valdez potentially leaving, the Astros need a new starter to complement Hunter Brown. And this is where the story takes a twist: a potential replacement might be an improvement!
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggests that Arizona Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen could be the answer. Gallen, despite a challenging 2025 season, has a higher bWAR than Valdez over the past five years and is younger. A short-term deal could be enticing for both parties.
Gallen's 2025 campaign wasn't his best, but it might be a blessing in disguise for the Astros. His ERA rose to 4.83, but his WHIP remained solid, and he still produced a positive bWAR. The Astros could capitalize on this 'down' year to secure a potential bargain.
If the Astros believe they can revive Gallen's 2022-2023 form, a one-year deal with an option for more could be a game-changer. The 2025 season might have been an anomaly, and the Gallen of two years ago would be a significant upgrade over Valdez, minus the drama.
As the winter meetings approach, the Astros are expected to pursue Gallen aggressively. Could this be the move that propels the Astros back into contention? And what might this mean for the team's future? Stay tuned as the Astros navigate this crucial offseason.
