Cristian Javier, Astros Agree to Five-Year Extension
The Houston Astros locked up a key member of their rotation when they extended right-handed starting pitcher Cristian Javier on Friday. The news was reported by Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.
Javier, 25, was an important piece to the Astros’ machine that won the 2022 World Series Championship.
According to Astros’ beat reporter Brian McTaggart, the Astros haven’t confirmed the deal, but sources have given further details regarding the contract.
“The Astros didn’t disclose the terms of the deal, but a source told MLB.com that Javier will receive $64 million in a contract that will take him through the 2027 season. He was signed for a $10,000 bonus during the international signing period in 2015 out of the Dominican Republic,”
Javier would have faced arbitration after this upcoming season. Instead, the Astros bought out all three years of Javier’s potential arbitration and two years of free agency.
Cristian Javier had by far his best career MLB season in 2022. 25 starts, 2.54 ERA, and 194 strikeouts were all career highs for the 3rd year player.
Javier did sometimes struggle with the long ball, giving up 17 of them. That’s something he’ll work on this season.
Combined No-Hitter(s)
He was marvelous on the biggest stages, notably at Yankee Stadium on June 25th. Javier struck out 13 on his way to a combined no-hitter.
Houston considered Javier a secret weapon come October. They deployed him in Game 4 of the World Series. Javier dazzled, helping lead Houston to the first-ever combined no-hitter in World Series history, the second of his season.
More importantly, his Game 4 heroics helped even the World Series back to 2 games a piece. The Astros would never look back, winning the next two to clinch on their home field.
This is the first deal given by new Astros GM Dana Brown. He was introduced to the team on Feb. 1.
Houston has built their recent success with homegrown talent and Javier is no different in that category.
That $10,000 contract out of the Dominican Republic ended up working out, right Cristian?
***
Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch
Click here for more MLB content
Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube
