Cristian Javier

Cristian Javier began 2022 in the bullpen and then started 25 games, bringing joy to fantasy managers' hearts everywhere. The 25-year-old tossed a 94-mph fastball with a 77-mph curve and mixed in a slider and changeup to create an 11.74 K/9. He struck out 194 batters in 148 2/3 innings and held a 2.54 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. His BABIP and LOB% are both due for regression, and his xFIP was 3.53, so it's important to temper expectations in those departments. All in all, Javier will make a great SP3 with SP2 upside.

Cristian Javier signs five-year contract extension

The Houston Astros have signed pitcher Cristian Javier to a five-year contract extension.

Fantasy Impact

The deal is worth $64 million and buys out three arbitration years and two free-agent years. New Astros general manager Dana Brown recently said he's looking at long-term contract extensions for Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and others while it appears Javier is the first domino to fall. The right-hander turned in a stout 2.45 ERA/3.16 FIP and 33.2% K% across 30 appearances (25 starts) in 2022 at just 25 years of age. With a 3.05 ERA across his first 78 MLB appearances (44 starts), the Astros have locked in an important piece as they look to defend their world championship in 2023.