Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Top Destination for Cy Young Winner at Trade Deadline
The Houston Astros could add a big name to their rotation as the MLB trade deadline of Aug. 1 draws near.
They could use another starter to help bolster their rotation, especially one with a pedigree for success.
According to a new column from Friars on Base, the Astros could be the top destination for San Diego Padres ace Blake Snell.
"Snell is a battle tested pitcher who has pitched in a World Series before back in 2020 with the Rays," writes Zachary Rotman. "He's known for being pulled early despite cruising in an elimination game which the Rays blew following his departure.
Houston wants to win and pitching is their biggest priority. They don't need a pitcher with team control, they just need someone to help this season with so many pitchers hurt."
One thing the article completely fails to mention is that Snell was the 2018 American League Cy Young winner in 2018. That season he posted a 1.89 ERA with a 0.974 WHIP over 180.2 innings pitched.
Snell's 2023 season is shaping up to his best performance since that 2018 Cy Young winning season. In 2023, Snell has put up a 2.71 ERA over 103.0 innings pitched.
As a rental, Snell would not come at the same price as a pitcher with extra years of team control, but Houston doesn't need that as they expect to be at or near full-strength come next season.
The Astros, who have a depleted farm system, have enough ammunition to get a deal like this done. It would also boost their chances of making a push for the American League West division title, a race in which they currently sit 4.5 games behind the Texas Rangers.
The Wild Card is no guarantee either. Houston cannot afford to sit around and watch while multiple teams make a play for a limited number of playoff spots.
Adding Snell would go a long way in helping solidify their chances of pursuing another World Series championship.
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