Revisiting the Houston Astros Impact of Offseason Moves

Will Harris

Apr 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Will Harris (36) pitches during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Then:

Shortly after the Conger trade, the Astros made a claim on Will Harris from the Diamondbacks.  Luhnow said, “moves are always validated by me if after I do the deal, other GM’s call and ask about the player. I got several calls about Harris. He has value to us and other teams.”

Luhnow also mentioned that the local bloggers in Houston have a better idea as to the value of Will Harris than the casual fan or national media. He represents a quality major league arm that will help the Astros not lose the close games after the starter leaves.

“We wanted to build up bullpen depth. So we are not forced into putting young players with no experience in the position of taking important innings.”

Now:

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Will Harris has looked great in the Astros highly ranked bullpen. Harris has pitched in 14 games while finishing the game six times. Not as a closer, but the person who pitches the last inning of the game. When

was ready, the Astros didn’t want to demote Harris, so they made a change and went with 13 pitchers on the 25-man roster. His pitching line is 1-0/ .50 ERA/ 18 IP/ 1 ER on an HR/ 24 strikeouts. (Stats from Baseball-Reference)

His most memorable game was this past Friday’s win versus the Blue Jays when Dallas Keuchel was off his game. He left in the seventh inning after two hitters have reached base in a close game at the time. Harris comes on and retires the next three hitters to keep the lead for the Astros. (Stats from Baseball-Reference)

Grade: 

The bullpen has been a strength of the bullpen, so I would give this move an A. At the time, I don’t think anyone could have predicted Harris’s success.

Next: Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek