Houston Astros: Four starting pitchers that could be considered

The Astros pitching staff has been a weak link, and recently it has shown through as such. Let’s look at four different pitchers that could help the club.

Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Wade Miley. That’s your only constants on this Astros staff. Brad Peacock has done a good job as of late (last outing and injury withstanding) but has shown going deep into games is a struggle.

Since the start of the season, the Houston Astros have had a proverbial carousel of pitchers try to hammer down the number five spot in the rotation. Ranging from Collin McHugh, Josh James, Corbin Martin, Framber Valdez, and now the debut of Jose Urquidy.

A more astute fan would say, “You’re complaining about the #5 spot, there’s no real reason to panic.” While you would be right on paper, really, I’m complaining about the #3 spot. Miley is a true number four, and the way Peacock pitches, he is a number five. The need for a pitcher to go deep into games is at a fever pitch right now.

It’s moments like this I really wish Lance McCullers‘ elbow would just magically repair itself and he’s able to pitch tomorrow.

Or the Houston Astros would have just upped the offer to Charlie Morton to convince him to stay.

Alas, this is not the case.  However, with a deep farm system and the pieces to help rebuilding franchises, the Astros have the means to acquire a pitcher who fits the bill.

Two names you will not see on this list. Max Scherzer and the incorrigible Madison Bumgarner.  While Scherzer is the prize to be had and the overall best option (if the National’s do intend on trading him), I want to focus on names that many people have not considered.

I will also never, ever, want Madison Bumgarner. Don’t at me. His average against and hard-hit balls against are astronomical for his name and price tag.

With that said, we are going to base this list off a few different aspects. Pitching style (IE: Exit Velocity/RPM spin rate), effectiveness versus left-handed batters, and also the price tag.