Exciting Astros Prospect Could Get a Chance to Debut in 2024

The Houston Astros are one of the best organizations in baseball at developing in-house talent. That continues to be the case after the front office decided to let some of their top players walk in free agency.

Reports have indicated that the Astros could be willing to move Framber Valdez. This move would strictly be to shed payroll and could allow one of Houston's top prospects to replace him.

Spencer Arrighetti could reportedly be on the big league team next season if there becomes an opening on the roster, reports Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

"Arrighetti (Astros' No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline) was named the team’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2023 after going 9-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 28 appearances, including 21 starts, between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land," writes McTaggart. 

"He had 141 strikeouts, a 1.25 WHIP and a .217 opponents’ batting average and ranked third in strikeouts and fourth in opponents’ batting average in the Astros’ Minor League system this past season. If there’s an opening in the Astros’ starting rotation, Arrighetti will get his chance at some point next season."

Arrighetti has been up to 97 and typically sits around 92-95. The right-hander was drafted in the 6th round in the 2021 MLB Draft. The 97 MPH fastball plays at all levels, but he's developed a sweeper that's expected to be a huge out pitch at the next level. 

He still has some work to do but showed well in AAA last season. 

With Valdez possibly on the move, it wouldn't be surprising to see Arrighetti have a shot at some point next season.