Astros: Which pitching prospect is ready to be the “Next Man Up”?

Josh James, 25, was drafted by Houston in 2014 in the 34th round, out of Western Oklahoma State College. James steadily rose through the minor league system, reaching the AAA level in 2018 and a late season call-up to the Astros last season. He shot up the rankings to the #4 position in Houston’s top 30 MLB Pipeline Prospects, after not even appearing on the list in 2017.

James MLB scouting grades looks good, with a well above average fastball. The exception was his pitch control which was graded as slightly below average. The system is on a 20-80 scale, with 20-30 being well below average, 40-50 below average, 50 average, 60 above average and 70 well above average.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 45 | Overall: 55

His four-seam fastball is the gem of his pitching repertoire, although that didn’t use to be the case. Early on in the minors, his fastball sat in the low 90’s. He now averages 97.7 MPH and has been known to exceed 100 MPH. He accredits the increase in velocity to his diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. He augments the heater with a developing slider and a changeup that’s averaging 89.1 MPH.

James was named Minor League Pitcher of the Year due to his 171 strikeouts in 114.1 innings pitched. He led the minors with an impressive 13.5 SO/9 at an average rate of 36.3%. That pace didn’t drop off after he was called up to the majors, still maintaining a 13.5 SO/9 and strikeout rate of 37.5% with the Astros.

He appeared in six games late last season with the Astros, starting in three and appearing in relief in three. He didn’t disappoint, compiling an ERA of 2.35 and winning two of his three starts and earning two holds in his three relief spots.

James could be one of the prospects that shines for the Astros, and his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He has definitely earned the right to prove himself as a legitimate big-league starter.

"“We started talking a little bit about what he could do maybe in the ‘pen,” the skipper told MLB.com. “And then we had a spot start available and he came up and did exactly what he had been doing in the Minors — struck out guys, calm demeanor, plus stuff across the board. And he stuck.”"