The Houston Astros are facing one big problem as they enter the offseason: the potential loss of their ace, Framber Valdez, to free agency.
If they lose him, no worries. They have Hunter Brown, who’s set to be the next ace. But you still need someone of good quality to fill Valdez’s spot. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller believes that the replacement will be Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Zac Gallen.
“Re-signing Framber Valdez to a possible $200 million contract probably isn’t a realistic option for Houston. But if the Astros can buy low on Gallen after a tough season, they had better do so, because that rotation gets rough in a hurry after Hunter Brown. If nothing else, they need Gallen just for the reliable 180-plus innings per year he can give them,” Miller wrote.
This season, Gallen finished with a record of 13-15, an ERA of 4.83, 175 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.260 over 192 innings pitched. However, this could be considered a fluke year, as years prior, he’s posted ERAs of 3.65, 3.47, and 2.54.
If Gallen gets a fresh start in a new location with a new pitching coach and staff, he could definitely prove this year was a fluke. Plus, he wouldn’t have to overextend as the de facto ace after Corbin Burnes went down with injury, and then the DBacks traded Merrill Kelly.
Gallen could succeed as the second ace behind Brown, creating an underrated 1-2 punch. And, if the Astros can buy low, all the better. Hopefully, they get to dialing when the offseason starts, as other teams will see the value in getting Gallen now.
