Astros: Brady Rodgers wins PCL Pitcher of the Year

One Houston Astros farmhand has made a name for himself in 2016.

Fresno Grizzlies right-hander and Houston Astros prospect, Brady Rodgers, has been named the PCL Pitcher of the Year. This is the first time that a Fresno Grizzlies pitcher has come away with the award.

A former third round draft pick, Rodgers was coming off a so-so 2015 campaign. In 115.2 innings pitched with the Grizzlies last season, the Arizona State alum posted a 4.51 ERA/4.75 RAvg to go with a 25 BB: 89 SO.

But in 2016 he has turned himself into one of the Astros top pitching prospects.

Rodgers was leading the Pacific League in ERA at 2.91 as he entered his start yesterday. He also won 12 games while maintaining a 3.18 RAvg in 130 innings pitched. Those are pretty good numbers for pitching in what is known as a “hitters” league.

And for the Astros, a team that perhaps need starting pitching depth next season in light of a weak free agent market, this has to be a welcomed development. In other words, look for Rodgers to be competing for a spot in the Astros rotation next spring.

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Along with Joseph Musgrove, Francis Martes, and David Paulino, Rodgers gives the Astros multiple promising arms in its system. Each one of them has the capability of being starting pitchers in the majors at some point. This has to be the luxury that all Houston fans were hoping for when the rebuild began.

However, prospects are never a sure thing long term, especially pitchers. Case in point, the trio of Wade Miller, Tim Redding, and Carlos Hernandez from the early 2000’s.

But winning a pitcher of the year award is no easy task. Rodgers clearly improved and his future with the Astros looks brighter than ever.

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Previous winners of the award include some familiar names like Jason Hirsh, Bud Norris, and the late Jeriome Robertson, who all won the award as an Astros prospect. Other winners include the likes of Cy Young award winners Felix Hernandez and R.A. Dickey. That has to make Rodgers feel good that he joins a list of such notable pitchers. And it’s about time the rest of baseball notices his outstanding season.

**Statistics provided by Baseball Reference**