The Houston Astros signed free-agent left-hander Brailyn Marquez to a minor-league deal. Once one of the Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospects, Marquez ended up missing two years due to shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old southpaw returned in 2023 in the minors and went 1-1 with a 5.87 ERA and 1.92 WHIP while walking 38 and striking out 44 in 30 2/3 innings over 23 appearances (two starts) in four minor-league levels while making it all the way up to Double-A Tennessee. The Dominican hurler will need to stay healthy and will be looking to improve upon his numbers on the farm for Houston in 2024. Marquez is a name to keep an eye on if he returns to his pre-injury form.

Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez (shoulder) underwent surgical debridement surgery on his left shoulder last month and is out for rest of the season. The big lefty was once the Cubs top pitching prospect, but injuries have limited him to just one appearance since September of 2020. Marquez, 23, still has to prove his value to the organization, but he needs to show health first and foremost. When healthy, Marquez has been one of the top left-handed arms in the minor leagues, but for now, he remains an option worth monitoring in only dynasty leagues.