Astros Designate Forrest Whitley After Nine Years

The Houston Astros designated right-handed pitcher Forrest Whitley for assignment after nine years with the organization, ending the tenure of a once-top pitching prospect whose career was hampered by a 2018 drug suspension and repeated injuries, including Tommy John surgery and knee problems. In 2025, Whitley pitched exclusively as a reliever, recording a 12.27 ERA over 7⅓ innings before being removed from the roster to make room for left-hander Brandon Walter. The Astros have seven days to trade, release, or attempt to pass Whitley through waivers, but his lack of minor-league options could make other teams hesitant to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, Whitley could be outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land, though his future with Houston is uncertain. Once considered baseball's top pitching prospect, Whitley's career has been defined by unfulfilled promise. Astros fans now await to see if he can find success with another organization.