Could Houston Astros Pull Off Blockbuster Trade with White Sox?
The Houston Astros are in a position where they must add to their rotation this winter if they hope to keep up with the Texas Rangers, and potentially even the Seattle Mariners, in 2024.
While they have Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez leading the charge, it gets a little shaky after that.
Adding another big name starter to the mix will be tough. The free agent class is thin, headlined by Aaron Nola and Blake Snell. And neither will come with a small price tag.
The trade market is the only other route to add meaningful Major League talent.
A blockbuster trade idea was thrown around by ClutchPoints that essentially equates to a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox.
The trade proposal includes receiving Dylan Cease in exchange for J.P. France, Chas McCormick and a "bevy of prospects."
How realistic is this proposal?
For starters, France could be seen as expendable given Jose Urquidy is healthy. Hunter Brown is on the roster. And Lance McCullers Jr. might be able to pitch in 2024. But that's a big if. Luis Garcia is also expected back sometime in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
McCormick could be replaced by Jake Meyers in centerfield, but McCormick has proven himself an everyday player. It's not the move you would want to make, but in exchange for a top of the rotation-type guy, Houston may have to make that sacrifice.
As for a "bevy of prospects" well, that's not something the Astros currently have. They are rated as one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball and all of their top end talent is now in the Majors.
The White Sox will want some serious talent in return for what is arguably their most valuable trade chip. While France and McCormick are talented, they likely don't move the needle forward in any meaningful way for the White Sox.
Without a high-end prospect to sweeten the deal, it just doesn't seem a likely scenario.
While Houston has the capability to pull off a trade, it just might not be for Dylan Cease or a similar type starter.
