Colton Gordon, a left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, has secured his place on the team's 40-man roster, a move that protects him from the Rule 5 draft. This decision comes after an impressive season with Triple-A Sugar Land, where he achieved an 8-2 record and 3.94 ERA across 24 starts. As he enters spring training, Gordon is determined to demonstrate his skills and compete for a spot in the major league rotation, aware of the long season ahead.

In spring training, Gordon faced the New York Mets, where he initially struggled, allowing four runs in his first outing. However, he rebounded in his subsequent start, throwing two scoreless innings and showcasing his improved command. His fastball reached 92 mph, complemented by a mix of pitches, including a slider and sinker. With key pitchers like Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia nursing injuries, Gordon's performance could be crucial for the Astros' pitching depth this season.

The Houston Astros are undergoing significant changes this offseason, focusing on both trades and free agency to reshape their roster. After signing first baseman Christian Walker, the team is now evaluating its options for further acquisitions, particularly to bolster its pitching staff and outfield, which were problematic in the previous season.

Among the prospects that could make a difference are outfielders Jacob Melton and Zach Cole. Melton, previously the top prospect in the Astros' system, had a productive season with a .253 batting average, 15 home runs, and 30 stolen bases. His performance could earn him a spot in the majors, especially given the struggles the team faced in the outfield last year. Similarly, Cole showcased impressive power and speed, with a .258 average, 19 home runs, and 37 stolen bases in 2023, making him a strong candidate to enhance the team's outfield depth.

On the pitching front, right-handers A.J. Blubaugh and Rhett Kouba present intriguing options. Blubaugh has shown consistent improvement, achieving a 3.71 ERA last season, which could position him as a bullpen option or a backend starter. Kouba, however, faced setbacks with his ERA soaring to 6.43, necessitating a comeback from an elbow injury to reclaim his spot. Left-hander Colton Gordon also emerges as a potential asset, particularly as a situational reliever, thanks to his improving control. The Astros are looking to these young talents to fill gaps and contribute to a more competitive roster in the upcoming season.

Lance McCullers Jr. has not pitched for the Houston Astros in two years due to elbow surgery and setbacks, while Luis Garcia is also recovering from arm surgery. Astros management remains optimistic about their return in 2025, although their readiness for opening day is uncertain.

Garcia, who had Tommy John surgery, is considered a candidate for the rotation if healthy. McCullers, on the other hand, is showing progress but will face limitations on innings if he returns this season.