Houston Astros Lose Pitching Depth After Youngster Was Claimed Off Waivers
One of the Houston Astros’ young pitchers was grabbed off waivers, thus the team may be trying to add additional pitching.
The Houston Astros understood going into this summer that they would need to address the three free-agent departures from their bullpen.
Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek, and Hector Neris all left, so a reunion seemed unlikely.
The Astros had originally intended to have a somewhat quiet winter to avoid exceeding the luxury tax threshold, as owned by Jim Crane.
That plan was swiftly altered when it was revealed Kendall Graveman would miss the whole season and they inked premier closer Josh Hader to a huge deal.
It was a move that was celebrated, as it should have been because it signaled the organization was willing to do whatever it took to ensure they could contend for their third World Series title in 2024.
But, for as good as Hader is, it’s very unlikely he’ll be able to fill all four roles that the departed and injured players left in their wake.
Depth is a concern, and that concern got a whole lot more problematic after their young pitcher Declan Cronin was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston.
The 26-year-old was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox this offseason, and the Astros first acquired him off waivers.
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After making his Major League debut on July 30, Cronin only played nine games with the White Sox in the previous season. His 9.00 ERA came from throwing 11 innings and giving up 11 earned runs on 11 hits, including three home runs.
The right-hander, whom Chicago initially selected in the 2019 draft, had a strong minor league career, amassing a 3.81 ERA over 150 appearances mostly out of the bullpen with one start.
He wouldn’t have been a major contributor for Houston this season, but he would have been available if required.
