Houston Astros Lose Pitching Depth After Youngster Was Claimed Off Waivers
Entering this offseason, the Houston Astros knew they'd have to address the three bullpen departures they were facing due to free agency.
Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton all walked out the door and a reunion was not likely.
Originally, the Astros planned on having a pretty quiet offseason because owner Jim Crane didn't want to go into the luxury tax threshold.
Once it was announced Kendall Graveman would be out for the entire year, that strategy quickly changed and they signed elite closer Josh Hader to a megadeal.
It was a move that was celebrated, as it should have been, because it signaled the organization was willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they can contend for their third World Series title in 2024.
But, for as good as Hader is, it's very unlikely he'll be able to fill all four roles that the departed and injured players left in their wake.
Depth is a concern, and that concern got a whole lot more worrisome after their young pitcher Declan Cronin was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston.
The Astros originally claimed the 26-year-old off waivers this offseason when he was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox.
Cronin only appeared in nine games with the White Sox last year after making his Major League debut on July 30. Across 11 innings pitched, he posted an ERA of 9.00 after giving up 11 earned runs on 11 hits and three homers.
The right-hander was originally a draft pick of Chicago back in 2019 and put together a solid minor league showing with a career ERA of 3.81 over 150 appearances out of the bullpen with one start.
It's unlikely he would have played a huge role with Houston this year, but he would have been an option if needed.
