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Astros aren’t budging on top prospect Forrest Whitley

By Cody Poage

SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Starting pitcher AFL East All-Star, Forrest Whitley #11 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch during the first inning of the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Starting pitcher AFL East All-Star, Forrest Whitley #11 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch during the first inning of the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JULY 11: Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow speaks with the media about the demotion of closer Ken Giles to Triple-A Fresno after his meltdown in the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park on July 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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.

Free agent Wilson Ramos more practical option for catcher. dark. Next

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.

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