Houston Astros Rumors: Three players with the most to lose in Spring Training

Brad Peacock, P

As I stated in an article covering the three guys with the most to gain during Spring Training, there are three spots that are technically available in the Houston Astros starting rotation heading into Spring Training. Though, one of those spots has pretty much already been given to Collin McHugh. So, that leaves two spots available.

Brad Peacock will likely be given the chance to contend for one of those spots in the rotation. In 2017, he had a pretty good stretch as a part of the rotation and helped pioneer the push to the World Series. After the team added several pieces to the rotation, he was relegated to bullpen duty in a leverage relief role.

The team valued him in that role and opted to bring Josh James and Framber Valdez into the rotation in favor of him in order to keep Peacock in the bullpen. But, he should get a crack at the bullpen but this could turn out to be one of his last shots at becoming a starter again.

If Peacock isn’t able to lock down a spot in the rotation, he may never get another chance. He will be 31 years old to start the season and most teams aren’t inclined to give a man that age a shot a starting job on a consistent basis.

If he is unable to carve out that role this year, he may be settled into a bullpen job for the rest of his career. Which isn’t a bad thing but the earning potential for him is lower because of it and that’s what he has on the line especially with prospects like Forrest Whitley and Corbin Martin knocking on the door.