Houston Astros Rumors: Why the team might fill out the rotation internally

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Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and owner Jim Crane (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

My predictions

At the end of the day, the first two spots in the rotation are obviously going to go to Verlander and Cole. I also believe McHugh is going to be a lock for the rotation no matter who gets added externally. At this point, I’d also give a rotation spot to Peacock with him potentially getting booted by a midseason trade or a top prospect rising.

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My final rotation spot, as it currently stands, goes to James with Valdez and Armenteros coming in at a tie for a close second. He has very solid potential to be a mid-level starter, especially with that laser of the fastball and I bet the team capitalizes on it in the rotation.

Valdez will likely crack the Opening Day 25 in the bullpen being a long arm and a lefty arm the team can turn to in a variety of situations. I could also see Armenteros, Martin, and Bukauskas manning spots in the bullpen this season as well.

There is speculation that Martin and Bukauskas would be better out of the pen anyways. There is also the potential for Whitley to get his first taste of the majors out of the pen as well but that won’t happen right away.

The Houston Astros can still field a high-end rotation by filling it out internally. It would be a risky move by betting on guys to replicate bullpen success and betting on prospects to consistently translate their skills to the big leagues.

Next. Four free agent pitchers the Astros should target. dark

This is a pretty decent path for the Houston Astros to take even if it might be slightly disappointing. I think it’s decently realistic as well. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Sound off below!

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