The Astros introduced that they’ve traded right-hander Forrest Whitley to the Rays in alternate for money issues. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com first reported that Whitley was going to the Rays whereas Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported the money return. The Rays’ 40-man roster rely climbs from 38 to 39. Since Whitley is out of choices, they might want to open an lively roster spot as soon as he reviews to the staff.
Whitley, 27, is a whole wild card at this level. Chosen seventeenth total within the 2016 draft, he put up large numbers within the decrease minor league ranges as a young person, working round a 50-game drug suspension going into 2018. His efficiency vaulted him in direction of the highest of prospect lists. Going into 2019, Baseball America ranked him #5 total and the highest pitcher on the record.
He has hit numerous pace bumps since then, largely attributable to accidents. Shoulder issues appeared to hamper him in 2019, as he completed that 12 months with a mixed 7.99 earned run common throughout varied minor league ranges. The minor leagues have been canceled by the pandemic in 2020. He required Tommy John surgical procedure in March of 2021, wiping out that season and a lot of the following 12 months. He bought again on the mound in 2022 however confirmed loads of rust, posting a 6.53 ERA over his 40 minor league innings. In 2023, a lat pressure restricted him to 30 minor league innings with a 5.70 ERA.
The Astros added Whitley to their 40-man roster in November of 2020, to guard him from being uncovered within the Rule 5 draft. He used up three choices in these 2021-23 seasons. The Astros have been granted a fourth choice for 2024 however the clock was ticking, in order that they moved him to the bullpen.
He confirmed some promise in that position final 12 months. He logged 34 innings on the Triple-A stage with a 2.12 ERA. His 11.6% stroll fee was excessive however he struck out 31.5% of batters confronted and bought grounders at a 55% clip. He additionally made his main league debut, logging 3 1/3 scoreless innings.
He got here into 2025 out of choices and began the season on the injured record, this time attributable to a bone bruise in his left knee. He was reinstated from the IL on April nineteenth however went again on the shelf on April twenty seventh attributable to a left knee sprain. He was reinstated in late Might however didn’t final lengthy earlier than the Astros determined to surrender and designated him for project. Round these IL stints, he has thrown 7 1/3 innings this 12 months with ten earned runs allowed. He struck out eight opponents however gave out six walks, hit one other batter and threw a wild pitch.
Whitley’s future is anybody’s guess at this level. The expertise that made him the highest prospect in baseball could also be in there someplace. He nonetheless averages within the higher 90s together with his fastballs. However he’s now out of choices and has proved so little. His main league observe report consists of simply 10 2/3 innings, which haven’t been particularly spectacular. He was good within the minors final 12 months however has in any other case been damage and/or ineffective.
The Rays have a robust popularity with regards to creating pitchers, so it’s a superb touchdown spot for him. Nevertheless, they’re additionally a contender, at present holding one of many three American League Wild Card spots. Since Whitley is out of choices, he must produce some outcomes with a view to stick on the roster. If he does, the Rays can cheaply retain him for years to return. He got here into 2025 with simply six days of main league service time, that means he can’t get to arbitration till after 2027 and isn’t slated without cost company till after the 2030 season. However as talked about, these might be moot factors if he can’t proper the ship.
Photograph courtesy of Erik Williams, Imagn Pictures
