Lance McCullers

Though big needs are filled, Astros still seeking more rotation depth

Published Jan. 12, 2016 12:57 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Houston Astros addressed some of their key areas of focus so far this offseason: they brought in a marquee closer in young flame-thrower Ken Giles in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies and retained outfielder Colby Rasmus and lefty reliever Tony Sipp.

However, the club still isn't done addressing some other concerns as GM Jeff Luhnow and his staff continue to try and make the team stronger and poised for a deeper run into October next season.

Recently, Luhnow said as much when discussing the team's current interests with MLB.com's Brian McTaggart:

"We've been attempting in different ways to give ourselves more options in the rotation, but have not been able to do that yet.

That's still a priority. It hasn't been something we feel we have to do."

As it stands right now, Houston will head to spring training with a starting rotation featuring Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Lance McCullers, Mike Fiers and Scott Feldman, with young pitchers such as Asher Wojciechowski waiting in the wings should an opportunity develop. Of course, the Astros dealt away two of their most promising young arms in Mark Appel and Vincent Velasquez in the Giles trade and lost lefty Scott Kazmir when he signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That said, the Astros still have plenty of time to narrow their focus and bring in an additional starter or two if they see fit. But even if they don't, their stable crop of young prospects could provide a boost to the staff this spring.

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