Crawfish Boil: Astros 9th SP, Cam Smith Extension Window, The ABS Effect, MLBs Newest Trend & More

TL;DR

The Houston Astros are facing starting pitching challenges, relying heavily on their bullpen. There are concerns about extending Cam Smith's contract amid MLB's trend of early extensions for young prospects.

Key points

Astros struggling with starting pitching depth
Heavy reliance on bullpen for performance
Concerns about extending Cam Smith's contract
MLB teams signing young prospects to early extensions
Record-setting sale of San Diego Padres

Houston AstrosSan Diego Padres

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros steals second base against Zach Neto #9 and Chris Taylor #33 of the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Daikin Park on September 01, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images *The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:* **It’s a good thing the Astros went and acquired all that starting pitching depth:** **Starting pitching woes have led to the Astros leaning harder on their bullpen than any team in baseball:** **Are the Astros missing their chance to extend Cam Smith?** **While Astros pitchers are having big trouble with walks, they aren’t the only ones:** **There is a strategy to challenging. The Astros lost both their challenges early and it cost them later in the game with some bad calls to their hitters:** **What has teams signing young prospects to big extensions earlier than ever?** **Bob Nightengale takes at look at MLB’s biggest surprises and disappointments this season:** **Mike Trout is hitting .246 but he has 7 HR, several of the tape measure variety. Time for the Hype Train:** **The San Diego Padres are about to be sold to a private equity firm owner for a record-setting price:** **Mets GM taking heat for their bad start punctuated by an 8-game slide.** **Jon Heyman on Mets manager, Padres , FA SP , and pitching logjam:** **At 37, there may not be much left in the tank for , but can’t blame him for trying:**

Q&A

What are the Houston Astros' current starting pitching issues?

The Astros are experiencing significant starting pitching woes, leading them to depend more on their bullpen than any other team in baseball.

Why is there urgency to extend Cam Smith's contract with the Astros?

There is concern that the Astros may be missing their opportunity to extend Cam Smith's contract as teams are increasingly signing young prospects to early extensions.

What recent trends are affecting MLB contract extensions for young players?

MLB teams are signing young prospects to big extensions earlier than ever, reflecting a shift in strategy regarding player contracts.