MLB Rumors: Houston Astros Reach Deal With Chris Devenski

All's well that ends well for the Houston Astros and right-handed pitcher Chris Devenski, with the two sides reportedly coming to an agreement regarding the latter's contract. The 28-year-old pitcher has agreed to receive $1.525 million in 2019 with a club option worth $2.625 million in 2020.

According to MLB.com, the club option figures could increase depending on how Devenski performs this coming MLB season. If he appears in 50 games, the right-handed pitcher could see the amount increase to $2.725 million. The value increases should he appear in more games, like $2.825 million for 60 games and $2.925 million for 68 games.

Originally, Devenski had wanted $1.65 million in his first year of arbitration, but the Astros offered only $1.4 million to settle and avoid arbitration. Both sides ending up settling at $1.525 million.

Now, Devenski will have to find a way to recall the old form he had back in 2017. At the time, he posted a 2.68 ERA (153 ERA+) and 32 percent strikeout rate in 62 appearances. His numbers dipped last year, making only 50 appearances and finishing with a 4.18 ERA, CBS Sports reported.

As a reliever back in 2016, Devenski made quite an impression when he posted a 2.8 fWAR in just 48 appearances. He continued to strike batters out, whiffing 9.7 men per nine after a career high of 11.6 K/9 in 2017, MLB Trade Rumors reported.

Coming off a bad season, Devenski has been working hard in the offseason to address issues with his game. All that should be on display once Spring Training comes around. After initially showing promise, Devenski will be out to show that he still has what it takes to play in the MLB.

Looking ahead, expectations remain high for the Astros. After winning the 2017 World Series, Houston will take West Palm Beach for the first time in two weeks, MLB.com reported. They are expected to be up there fighting once more and most of that should be seen at Spring Training.

Among the players to watch include Wade Miley, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Astros. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Collin McHugh will also be on the radar, all of whom are set to become free agents in 2019. After a 103-win season, can the Astros do better? Pundits think so.