Why Cristian Javier's long-term contract could turn out to be a bargain for the Houston Astros

Cristian Javier was one of the reasons why the Houston Astros boasted the best starting rotation in the MLB last season. With greater responsibilities comes greater opportunity, and Javier will be an even bigger part of the Astros' pitching corps in 2023.

With a cumulative ERA of 2.95 among starters last year, the Astros led the AL in that category. The starting rotation also went the distance, pitching 950 total innings - more than any other starting five in the entire MLB.

Although the keystone of the Astros' rotation in 2022 was Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, the team knew they could count on everyone in their rotation. Cristian Javier was no exception to this.

"The Houston Astros announced that they have signed RHP Cristian Javier to a 5-year extension. The deal is for $64M per @ChandlerRome" - @ FOX Sports: MLB

2022 was the first season that the 25-year old right hander from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, worked primarily as a starter. He made 25 starts, up from just nine in 2021. Over 148 innings, Javier posted an ERA of 2.54 and a record of 11-9.

With Verlander's departure (after his record-tying contract with the New York Mets), Javier is likely to become the second arm in the rotation after Framber Valdez.

In February 2023, Javier signed a 5-year extension with the Houston Astros. The deal is worth about $64 million. Javier will make just $7 million of the total value over his first two years, with the annual value jumping to $10 million in the third year and $21 million in the last two years of the deal. With a stroke of the pen, Javier also earned a signing bonus of a reported $2 million.

"It's 9:57 PM, here's your serotonin boost for the night. In honor of Cristian Javier signing an extension, here's highlights from his combined no-hitter in the World Series." - @ Michael Schwab

The deal will keep Javier in Houston until 2027, and allow him to develop on one of the best teams in the entire world. The contract will help the Astros financially over the next few years, as the vast majority of it will be paid after 2025.

Cristian Javier - future Cy Young Award winner

World Series - Houston Astros v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Four

For such a young pitcher, Cristian Javier has shown incredible composure. He did not allow a single run over two starts over the course of the 2022 ALCS and World Series.

The Astros are a team that will allow him more high-stakes opportunities. This will give him the opportunity to further develop his ability to perform in big games and big moments. As such, Javier will become a very big name in the MLB and the accolades will follow.