Something important happened over the weekend that has one immediate implication and one long-term implication. Corbin Burnes agreed to a six year, 210 million dollar contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the immediate term, that actually could benefit the Astros. He did not go to one of the predicted suitors which means that all of those teams are now on the lookout for a frontline starting pitcher.
On the flip side, this is the second 200+ million dollar contract for a starting pitcher. The price tag for Framber Valdez is becoming a lot more clear and it appears to be a price that Jim Crane is not willing to pay.