The Houston Astros encountered significant pitching challenges this season, with their misfortunes beginning even before the season started.
Kendall Graveman underwent shoulder surgery in January, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Given his contract situation, he may have pitched his last game for the Astros—for now.
The veteran reliever is set to become an unrestricted free agent after appearing in just over 20 games following his trade at the 2023 MLB deadline.
Despite only being with the team for half a season, the trade for Graveman was not a complete failure for Houston. They acquired him from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for catcher Korey Lee.
Yainer Diaz has since emerged as the starting catcher, showcasing significant offensive potential over the past two seasons.
Lee has struggled offensively since joining the White Sox, mirroring his performance with the Astros, posting a .190/.228/.317 batting line since the trade.
When Graveman pitched for Houston, he lived up to expectations. In 23 appearances at the end of the 2023 season, he recorded a 2.42 ERA.
When healthy, he boasts a strong fastball and generates a good amount of strikeouts and weak contact, though he has occasionally struggled with walks. He typically manages to navigate through difficult situations.
The Astros could have greatly benefited from a healthy Graveman this season, as their bullpen was merely average, ranking 24th in WAR and 22nd in FIP.
His potential affordability and Houston’s interest in him might suggest a possible return. Next year, he will be 34. His previous contract was worth $24 million over three years, but given his age and extended absence from the mound, he likely won’t command a similar average annual value.
Moreover, the Astros have traded for him twice since mid-2021, making Houston a plausible place for him to rebuild his value in a familiar setting.
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