Houston Astros 2016 Pitching Rotation Options (Part 1)

Mike Fiers 

Aug 29, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Player Overview and Stats

Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of the Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers trade at first.  I thought Brett Phillips was too good of a prospect.  But, Mike Fiers production has certainly made me appreciate the trade more.  Mike Fiers threw the Astros first no-hitter since 2003 when the Astros combined multiple pitchers to blank the Yankees in New York.

In many ways, Fiers is similar to Scott Feldman.  He has a below average heater with good location and off-speed pitches.  Since traded to the Astros, Fiers has gone 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Over the course of his career, he has posted a 3.54 ERA.

Contract Situation

Just like Keuchel, Fiers is eligible for arbitration this offseason and does not become a free agent until 2019.  Regardless of whether the Astros take Fiers to arbitration or give him an extension, the Astros are in a good place to retain Fiers next season for a good value.  If we are looking at an extensive, I think he could be a two-year deal slightly less than McCough’s at $12 million.

2016 Status and My Recommendation

Mike Fiers will fit into Astros bottom part of the rotation and fill a better role that Scott Feldman has had over the past two years.

Next: Conclusion