The Houston Astros jumping the market and signing former first round pick Nate Pearson to a Major League deal with the plan of converting him to a starting pitcher may turn out to be a telling indicator for the offseason ahead. The idea that the Astros aren't prioritizing a return of Framber Valdez isn't earth-shattering news, but how they plan to replace Valdez might be pretty telling of their current situation.
It's quite the offseason to be in need of starting pitching. Beyond Valdez, other tempting names such as Dylan Cease, Ranger Suarez, and Michael King are on the free-agent market.