Astros linked to $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as temporary replacement for Hunter Brown
With Brown gone for a couple weeks, the Astros could replace him with this guy.
Astros linked to $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as temporary replacement for Hunter Brown originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Houston Astros are off to an underwhelming start, with a record of 6-8 and in fourth place in the AL West.
Now, their ace and Cy Young candidate Hunter Brown is down with injury , and if they don’t want to fall even further behind, they need a replacement, especially if it becomes a long-term problem. Sports Illustrated’s Justin Binkowski believes the Astros could sign a Cy Young candidate from the past in Lucas Giolito, who is somehow still a free agent. Giolito could fill Brown’s spot, and upon his return, shift to the back of the rotation.
MORE: Angels predicted to part ways with, put $2. 9 million 0. 45 ERA breakout ace on trade block after Cy Young-level start to 2026 season “If Brown isn't expected to miss a large chunk of the season, the Astros will likely try to use some of the minor league arms already in the team's system for a couple of spot starts.
But shoulder injuries can be tricky, especially with pitchers. So if Houston's ace is sidelined for an extended period of time, the team may have to look for an outside option. Luckily for the Astros, one former All-Star pitcher is somehow still a free agent.