Houston Astros fans react to the team signing pitcher Cristian Javier to a five-year, $64 million extension: "So deserved", "This is great"

The Houston Astros and pitcher Cristian Javier have agreed to a five-year, $64 million extension. The deal comes with a two-million-dollar signing bonus. The contract buys out Javier's three-year arbitration eligibility and two free-agent years.

Javier started in a career-high 25 games last season. It was a different year for him as he was used in a bullpen role in 2021. He handled the transition well, compiling an 11-9 record with a 2.54 ERA and 194 strikeouts.

Javier was scheduled for an arbitration meeting on Friday. Arbitration meetings are often awkward for both the player and the front office. It's best if teams can avoid it altogether.

With reports of Javier's extension, Houston Astros fans couldn't be happier. He was a key piece to their pitching staff last season. With the team losing Justin Verlander to free agency this winter, Javier is expected to continue his dominance on the mound.

"So deserved," one fan tweeted.

"This is great. Very happy about it, but I only have one thing to say. Pretty please with sugar on top, sign King Tuck!" another fan explained.

It's great to see that Houston is trying to lock down their pitching staff. Pitching was a huge reason as to why the Astros were dominant last year.

The Astros are shaping up to be a contender once again in 2023. Don't be surprised if they're sitting at the top of the American League West again at the end of the season.

The Houston Astros have enough talent to repeat

Houston had a solid off-season. They signed veteran slugger Jose Abreu to a three-year contract. Abreu will provide a good amount of power in the middle of the Astros' lineup.

The team also re-signed Michael Brantley. Brantley missed much of the season last year, only appearing in 64 games. He was dealing with a shoulder injury and underwent surgery to fix the ordeal in August.

Houston is also excited to get a full season from young pitcher Hunter Brown. He's the team's number-one prospect heading into this season. Brown was called up late into the season last year. He appeared in seven games with a 2-0 record.

The Houston Astros have been nothing but dominant over the last couple of years. With a number of players coming back, alongside some new faces, this team is looking dangerous.