Free Agent Relief Pitchers Astros Should Consider Adding
When the lockout ends, here are free agent relief pitchers that the Astros should consider adding to the bullpen.
With all the turnover this offseason in the Houston Astros‘ bullpen, there needs to be a focus on securing support to get to Ryan Pressly in the ninth inning.
As with any postseason team, you can’t have too much pitching, and with Brooks Raley, Yimi Garcia and Kendall Graveman departing, the Astros have some work to do.
To date the Astros have only signed Hector Neris to rebuild the ‘pen, so let’s examine some of the remaining relief pitchers out there who we could consider resigning.
Ryan Tepera
A native Houstonian, Tepera saw his share of teams the past three seasons jumping from the Toronto Blue Jay to Chicago, starting with the Cubs and ending with the White Sox.
Through the postseason this year Tepera faced the Astros three times, tossing 4.2 innings in total and only giving up one earned run, two hits and striking out three.
In addition to his postseason success out of the bullpen, his regular season was stellar with a 2.79 ERA combined between his two teams and a 12 strikeouts per nine innings which is second highest in his career.
If Tepera wants to come home, the Astros could be an excellent landing point, however he is the top free agent pitcher left and many playoff teams will be vying for his services.
Collin McHugh
Could McHugh make a return to the franchise he won a ring with? I’m not sure that’s a possibly, but let’s take a look at his past season out of the ‘pen in Tampa.
McHugh took off 2020 due to COVID-19, so upon his return, he performed quite well. In his 37 appearances, he had a 9.9 strikeout per nine innings along with a 1.55 ERA which are best in his career and second best, respectively.
The only knock and question Astros brass should have would be his lower inning count this season and he will be turning 35-years-old this season. Depending on the price, the Astros should consider going after him.
Andrew Chafin
Former Cub and Oakland Athletic in 2021, Chafin had a stellar campaign, posting a 1.83 combined ERA in 71 appearances.
In addition to the great ERA, Chafin had his best season WHIP and although his strikeout ratio was lower than his career average he did have his second highest strikeout total and a solid 0.5 home run per nine innings.
Chafin is definitely the cheapest option on the list for potential ‘pen additions, but he still would be a quality arm for the Astros, so long as he can repeat his ’21 campaign.