Astros GM Dana Brown said the Astros may have to get creative this off-season. Could that extend to the types of free agent pitchers they will consider? The Astros have Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) and payroll issues. But, with the loss of Kikuchi and the free agency of Verlander, the Astros also need additional rotation depth if they want to avoid another expensive mid-season pitching trade.
One creative approach might include signing an injury stricken starting pitcher. The tactic might enable the Astros to lower the first year cost of a free agent pitcher’s contract, while also securing a starting pitcher for 2026 and 2027.