By signing a starting pitcher through 2024, the Houston Astros were able to avoid arbitration. The Houston Astros had to make sure they kept as many players on their championship-caliber roster as they could before the season began because they were unable to add any significant players this offseason.

The batting order is dotted with prominent players, and the lineup is almost intact. However, the Astros are a tad riskier when it comes to pitching. Cristian Javier, Justin Verlander, and Framber Valdez are probably the first three starting.

The righty started six games for them in 2023 before being placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder soreness and eventually getting moved to the 60-day IL. He made his return in August but wasn’t the same pitcher he’d been in the past, finishing with a 5.39 ERA. Before that, with an ERA of 3.58 from 60 starts and 63 outings, Urquidy was among their best pitchers in the rotation.

When others return later in the season, having him healthy and back in the mix should be a huge help to the Astros rotation. They will have more alternatives in their bullpen now that they have lost three of their best relievers and have only acquired one replacement thus far this offseason, which is much needed.

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