Astros aren’t budging on top prospect Forrest Whitley

Don’t look for a change on the stance

The Astros’ stance on Whitley, regardless of our personal feelings towards prospects, isn’t unexpected. FanGraphs currently has the promising right-hander as baseball’s top pitching prospect. He is consistently ranked the top prospects across the sport as the 21-year old comes with top of the rotation material and lofty expectations. It was only natural that the Mariners ask for Whitley in trade negotiations. Most teams, including the Marlins with J.T. Realmuto still on the market, will keep pestering the Astros about Whitley with the hope that Luhnow will finally cave. I don’t expect him to cave any time soon.

Only time will tell if Whitley is successful at the major league level. He has a lot to prove in 2019 as his 2018 season was basically a wash. If you’re into silver linings, then find peace knowing his absence wasn’t due to an arm injury. I’d like to believe he has a shot to make the club out of spring training, albeit unlikely. But I do expect him to start at some point for the Astros in 2019, if healthy.