The Houston Astros will likely be in the running for a pitcher or two this offseason. As they saw during the trade deadline, they will have to trade away some of the best players in their farm system for above-average pitchers.
Unfortunately, the Astros do not have the flexibility of some other teams in Major League Baseball when it comes to the large number of young players.
Although Yusei Kikuchi has pitched at a high level since joining Houston Baseball, this was also considered one of the biggest overpayments at the trade deadline.
In fact, many believe that the Astros lost the deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
That wouldn’t have changed no matter how good their farming system was. But it also shows that things could have been different if they had had better prospects.
If they hadn’t had to give up three of their most promising talents, the deal would have looked very different.
While this is a problem in itself, Houston will have the opportunity to sign free agents in the offseason, and they won’t have to trade anyone to do so.
There will be a lot of top players available on the free agency market this offseason, and if those players want to win and get paid to do it, the Astros are one of the best places in baseball to make that happen.
Also among the available starting pitchers is Blake Snell of the San Francisco Giants. Bleacher Report recently compiled the top 10 landing spots for the two-time Cy Young Award winner and listed Houston at No. 8.
Snell’s contract for this offseason includes an opt-out clause that allows him to become a free agent if he wishes.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently reported on the left-hander and wrote that he is expected to opt out of his contract.
“Giants star Blake Snell will invoke his opt-out clause after a terrible first half, having posted a 2.08 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a no-hitter in his last eight starts. One thing is for sure: Snell won’t wait until spring training to sign this time.”
He would be an excellent addition to this rotation as he has put up strong numbers throughout his career.
He struggled a bit early in the season, which is why his 3.76 ERA is so impressive. Even a 3.76 ERA is much better than many other pitchers in the league.
If he hadn’t started so slowly and hadn’t gotten injured, he would have had a chance to win a Cy Young Award this year too.
Still, it would be wise for the Astros to take a look at him.
