It’s remarkable that the Houston Astros are 77-65 and hold a five-game lead in the American League West, especially considering the pitching injuries they’ve faced.
The contributions from the pitchers who have stepped up deserve recognition, but this also highlights the overall talent within the team.
Nevertheless, the recurring injuries remain a concern, and the front office will need to address this issue in the offseason.
As they prepare for the offseason, the Astros will face decisions about free agency. With some pitchers hitting the market, they might find themselves needing more pitching depth than anticipated.
Houston might consider taking some risks. If they decide not to invest in top-tier pitchers, there will be reliable non-ace options available.
One intriguing possibility is Shane Bieber, a right-hander who was once an ace but had Tommy John surgery this season.
Bieber has been one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball over recent years despite dealing with injuries. However, his injury history is a significant concern.
If the Astros believe he can return to his former level of performance, he could be an excellent signing. The prospect of him taking a pay cut due to his surgery makes him an attractive option for Houston.
A pay cut is a plausible outcome.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has suggested that Bieber might join a new team in 2025, possibly on a two-year contract to prove his recovery.
“The Guardians generally avoid costly long-term contracts, with the José RamÃrez extension being a notable exception. Shane Bieber’s time with the team has long seemed likely to end upon reaching free agency. The question now is whether he might accept a qualifying offer while recovering from Tommy John surgery. A back-loaded, two-year deal similar to Brandon Woodruff’s recent contract with the Brewers could be mutually beneficial.”
Bieber has consistently posted sub-3.3 ERA numbers throughout much of his career, including a 2.88 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 200 innings in 2022.
Though he has pitched only 140 innings over the past two years, hopefully, this surgery will set him up for a strong finish to his career.
If so, he could prove to be one of the offseason’s best bargains.
