GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a hitting drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Astros Add $5.3 Million Reliever as Potential Sneaky Bullpen Weapon…
The Houston Astros aren’t done upgrading just yet, adding veteran lefty reliever Jalen Beeks on a minor-league deal. Beeks, who turns 31 in July, went 7-4 with a 4.50 ERA across 71 games for the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. He owns a career 4.40 ERA and 0.9 bWAR for four teams. It is unclear if Beeks’ contract contains an opt-out. He’s earned over $5.3 million since debuting for the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Beeks joins an Astros team needing additional left-handed pitchers. Josh Hader remains entrenched as the closer, and Caleb Ferguson signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astros would be thrilled if Beeks regains any of his old form. Beeks posted a 1.2 bWAR and 2.80 ERA for the 2022 Tampa Bay Rays, his first year back from Tommy John surgery. It’s been a busy few weeks at Astros camp. All-star second baseman Jose Altuve officially moved to left field earlier this spring and is expected to
primarily play the outfield. Veteran first baseman Christian Walker suffered an oblique injury earlier this week, the same injury that cost him over a month with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Elsewhere, top infield prospect Cam Smith is potentially playing himself onto the Opening Day roster. The Chicago Cubs selected Smith No. 14 a year ago before trading him to Houston in the Kyle Tucker deal. We’ll see if Beeks represents the Astros’ final pre-Opening Day addition. Houston was linked to St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason. Related: Houston Astros Top Prospect Turns Heads With Sensational Spring..
The Houston Astros aren’t done upgrading just yet, adding veteran lefty reliever Jalen Beeks on a minor-league deal. Beeks, who turns 31 in July, went 7-4 with a 4.50 ERA across 71 games for the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. He owns a career 4.40 ERA and 0.9 bWAR for four teams. It is unclear if Beeks’ contract contains an opt-out. He’s earned over $5.3 million since debuting for the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Beeks joins an Astros team needing additional left-handed pitchers. Josh Hader remains entrenched as the closer, and Caleb Ferguson signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astros would be thrilled if Beeks regains any of his old form. Beeks posted a 1.2 bWAR and 2.80 ERA for the 2022 Tampa Bay Rays, his first year back from Tommy John surgery. It’s been a busy few weeks at Astros camp. All-star second baseman Jose Altuve officially moved to left field earlier this spring and is expected to
primarily play the outfield. Veteran first baseman Christian Walker suffered an oblique injury earlier this week, the same injury that cost him over a month with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Elsewhere, top infield prospect Cam Smith is potentially playing himself onto the Opening Day roster. The Chicago Cubs selected Smith No. 14 a year ago before trading him to Houston in the Kyle Tucker deal. We’ll see if Beeks represents the Astros’ final pre-Opening Day addition. Houston was linked to St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason. Related: Houston Astros Top Prospect Turns Heads With Sensational Spring..
