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sports8h ago
Why Astros Should Consider Lucas Giolito as Middle-Rotation Option
- Houston eyeing Lucas Giolito as a cost-efficient middle-rotation option for 2026 to stabilize the staff.
- Giolito could command about $55–$60 million over three years, fitting Houston’s budget against big contracts.
- Giolito posted a 3.41 ERA, 1.290 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts in 26 starts in 2025, signaling upside when healthy.
- Giolito’s late-season form and a recent eight-inning gem against Houston highlight his potential value.
- Houston’s rotation needs depth behind Hunter Brown, with Arrighetti, Alexander, and others showing varying reliability.
- Three Astros pitchers remained in recovery from Tommy John surgery, extending the timeline into 2026.
- Assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz has prior coaching ties with Giolito, potentially aiding negotiations.
- The analysis notes Giolito could be a cheaper option than Valdez if both stay healthy and market conditions hold.
- Giolito’s eligibility as a free agent comes amid a broader Astros focus on balancing payroll with performance.
- The piece frames Giolito as a potential fit behind Hunter Brown with a possible smaller fourth or fifth starter addition.
- The report highlights Giolito’s 2025 season as a near-peak performance despite a late-season injury.
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