A Potentially Interesting Pitcher for the Astros

Much of the offseason centers around the high-profile names on the market. Whether it’s in free agency or available for trade, these players get the majority of attention.

The Houston Astros aren’t strangers to that either.

They made a splash when signing first baseman and former MVP Jose Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract before the 2023 season.

It’s unlikely that the Astros will make a similar splash this offseason but are expected to pursue smaller additions that create depth within their organization and on their MLB roster.

An interesting pitcher is now available in the free agent market after being non-tendered earlier in November.

Former second round pick of the Detroit Tigers, Spencer Turnbull, is free to sign with any team after not having his contract picked up following difficult seasons after making it to the majors.

During the COVID year in 2020, he had a 3.97 ERA across 11 starts which was supposed to build into a promising 2021 season.

Despite a career low ERA of 2.88 that year, his injury issues began that limited him to nine starts and saw him hit the injury list on two separate occasions before eventually being shelved on the 60-day IL for the rest of the year.

His tenure did not go well with the Tigers, but Turnbull could be a buy low candidate for Houston this offseason.

The 31-year-old could be used as a depth piece at their Triple-A affiliate as they try to build him back into a Major League arm. The Astros have been able to use their developmental system to produce MLB arms during this “Golden Era.”