The Houston Astros have just taken all of MLB by unexpectedly selecting right-handed shooter Roddery Muñoz in the Major League of the Rule 5 Draft. A shocking, bold, and risky move — but one with the potential for huge rewards if this 24-year-old “raw talent” truly shines at Minute Maid Park in the 2025 season.
Known as one of the most intelligent and disciplined teams in MLB, the Astros rarely take gambles like Rule 5 drafts. However, this time they chose Muñoz — a shooter with speed, potential, and… a lot to improve.
According to regulations, Muñoz must remain on the Astros’ 26-man roster for the entire 2025 season. Otherwise, Houston must return him to the Cincinnati Reds – the team that previously owned him before letting him go. This means the Astros have just gambled a valuable roster spot on a shooter who has never been consistent in MLB.
Muñoz’s resume isn’t “impressive” by MLB standards. In 27 Big League games, including 17 starts, he has an ERA of 6.73 – a hard number for any pitching coach to swallow.
However, Houston saw something else:
Impressive launch speed – the ability to generate spin – and the potential to become a secret weapon if properly fine-tuned.
And the Astros are famously known as MLB’s “pitcher development factory”…
Looking deeper into his Minor League career, Muñoz boasts an ERA of 4.76 in 393 2/3 innings – not too bad for a pitcher still finding his way between starter and reliever roles.
Houston may see something the Reds haven’t been patient enough to pursue.
Because when the Astros “mark” a pitcher, it usually means:
They’ve seen the path to making him a valuable asset.
Astrals fans have witnessed something similar with:
– Framber Valdez
– Cristian Javier
– Bryan Abreu
– Hector Neris
– And many other “project arms” that Houston transformed into monsters.
Rule 5 means there’s no time to “warm up” in the Minor League.
Muñoz needs to be ready immediately, he needs to be involved, he needs to play a real role – or at least, he needs to prove that he deserves his place until the end of September.
The Astros have many options to experiment with him: Long reliever, Bulk pitcher after opener, Spot starter, or a powerful reliever if the fastball/slider is fine-tuned.
A versatile role could be key to Muñoz’s survival in his first season at Houston.
This pick isn’t a high-profile deal. Not a multi-million dollar contract. Not a name mentioned on national radio.
But it feels familiar:
The Astros are preparing to revive a pitcher that MLB has forgotten.
And often… they succeed.
Will Houston Beat Rule 5 Again?
Roddery Muñoz enters Houston under immense pressure, but also with great hope. If he passes the test and stays on the roster for the entire season, the Astros will gain a valuable weapon at a very low cost.
If not — he’ll return to the Reds as if he never came.
Rule 5 is always a game of chance.
But when the Astros are the ones choosing… all eyes are on.
In the spring of 2025, it will all be clear — whether Roddery Muñoz will become the next big win for the Houston pitching machine.
Leave a Reply