The Astros’ Rotation Depth Is In Decent Shape For Once

One of my regular criticisms in the past two years leading up to this offseason was the Astros' lack of urgency in addressing their starting pitcher depth. While it was seemingly Jim Crane who drove a reunion with Justin Verlander in 2023, parting ways with Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford in the process, Dana Brown decided to trade Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido, and Will Wagner for Yusei Kikuchi last summer. Houston parted ways with five prospects of varying regard for 38 starts from two veteran pitchers. That's a heavy price to pay, even if you like those trades and taking into account the team's current contention window. I didn't care much about the reunion with Verlander, but Kikuchi's performance across his ten starts was remarkable.

…