.jpg)
4 hours ago
1
Throughout their decade-long run at the top of the American League West, the Houston Astros have had no shortage of dominant hurlers.
They won the 2017 World Series on the strength of former Cy Young Award winners Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, then added two more Cy Young winners in Zack Greinke and Gerrit Cole to form one of the most fearsome rotations in baseball history. Their most recent World Series title in 2022 saw the emergence of Framber Valdez alongside Verlander as well as strong performances from young hurlers Christian Javier and Luis Garica.
Yet as the 2025 season began, the Astros were in clear need of another frontline starter. Verlander had departed to the San Francisco Giants after a career-worst season, Javier and Garcia were still sidelined by arm injuries, and Valdez is set to hit free agency after the season. Enter Hunter Brown to the rescue. The 26-year-old right-hander dominated in 2024 after adding a sinker at the beginning of May, posting a 2.46 ERA over his final 24 appearances, and has taken his game to another level in 2025. He currently leads all Major League Baseball pitchers with a 1.7 WAR while placing in the top five in ERA (1.22) and WHIP (0.84).
With a fastball that can run up to 99 miles per hour, headlining an elite six-pitch mix, it’s no wonder why ESPN’s Jeff Passan identified Brown as one of baseball’s breakout aces.
“The quietest ace in baseball began his run of dominance early last season but is only now beginning to receive the recognition he warrants,” Passan wrote. “With a fastball up to 99 mph, a vicious sinker, a swing-and-miss changeup and three more pitches, he has the arsenal to complement his moxie. He is the next great Astros pitcher.”
With Brown and Valdez headlining the rotation and an offense finally beginning to pick up steam, the Astros once again look like favorites to win the American League West for the fifth consecutive season.
More MLB: Braves could shockingly cut ties with $77 million All-Star at trade deadline
English (US)