The Houston Astros have been exploring ways to improve a starting rotation that was one of the best in MLB history last season, and one player they are interested in happened to pitch quite well against them in the playoffs.
Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that the Astros have shown interest in signing former Boston Red Sox pitcher Nathan Eovaldi.
#Astros showing continued interest in free agent Nathan Eovaldi, sources say. He is the second best pitcher ever from Alvin, Texas. And if Eovaldi signs with Houston, No. 1 on that list will watch him pitch from a seat behind home plate . . . @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 28, 2018
As Morosi referenced, Eovaldi grew up in the same Texas town as Hall of Famer and Astros executive advisor Nolan Ryan. In addition to having roots in common with him, Eovaldi also has an explosive fastball like Ryan did, so it’s no surprise Houston is infatuated with the right-hander.
Eovaldi has also been linked to other top teams in the American League, which is no surprise given his postseason heroics. He allowed just four earned runs in 22.1 innings during the playoffs and was one of the most important pieces of a team that won the World Series.
