The Houston Astros and their loyal fans received some disappointing news on Monday morning when it was announced that their ace since 2017, Justin Verlander, had signed a two-year, $86 million contract with the New York Mets.
An entertaining era has officially come to an end in Houston.
But with their ace now gone, some have speculated that the Astros might dive into the pitching market and make a play for Carlos Rodon, similarly to what the Mets have done in the wake of losing Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers.
However, team insider Chandler Rome doesn’t think that will be the case, as the Astros have Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr. Luis Garcia, Hunter Brown, and Jose Urquidy.
I don't think losing Justin Verlander puts the Astros in the pitching market. The prices right now are huge and Houston has Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers Jr, Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, José Urquidy and Hunter Brown coming back.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 5, 2022
Astros Not Active In Pitching Market
With their vast starting pitching depth, it’s very possible that the Astros will keep their starting rotation the way it is right now.
As Rome explained, prices are extremely high on the pitching market.
The Astros already have a wealth of options for starters and will likely search the free agent market in hopes of improving in other areas.
Just last week, the team signed veteran first baseman Jose Abreu to a three-year deal.
So while they likely aren’t going to search for more pitching options, they are certainly not done searching for potential upgrades at other positions.
If they do explore the pitching market, however, they might search for cheaper options such as Jose Quintana, Nathan Eovaldi, or Taijuan Walker.
Houston won 106 games during the regular season, the most in the American League.
NEXT: Astros Insider Details Justin Verlander's All-Time Run In Houston