Houston Astros Prospect Could Earn Bullpen Spot in Spring Training.
A former Houston Astros top prospect could make the big league roster during Spring Training.
The Houston Astros have signed Josh Hader to a hefty deal and will also have Ryan Pressly complete games.
When players and staff arrived for Spring Training, manager Joe Espada indicated that Hader will close games and Pressly will pitch in the eighth.
Despite this decision, the Astros still need bullpen depth for the upcoming season.
The squad lost Hector Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek to free agency.
All three are veterans who have demonstrated their ability to get outs in the major leagues, so replacing them will be difficult.
Spring Training will provide opportunities for prospects and others to gain jobs, notably flamethrower right-hander Forrest Whitley.
According to MLB.com, Whitley is the club’s top prospect to keep an eye on throughout Spring Training, with the potential for a Major League debut.
The former 2016 first-round pick was regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects at the time. Injuries hindered his early career, but he’s hoping to rebound in a big way in 2024 with a fastball that has surpassed 100 mph.
Whitley will have a chance to earn a job in a bullpen that may use some help.
Whitley deserves a chance to demonstrate his ability to compete at the top level after battling his way through the minors despite numerous ailments. Spring Training will provide him with that opportunity, as he hopes to impress the Houston coaching staff with his play.
In 2023, he fought with ailments again, pitching 30 innings at Triple-A with a 5.70 ERA.
The troubles and injuries have been concerning, but the 26-year-old has a powerful fastball and can pitch out of the bullpen if he remains healthy.
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