MLB Insider Links Astros to Chicago White Sox for Potential High-Profile Trade
The Houston Astros have been relatively quiet in the early goings of MLB free agency.
While not many splashy moves have been made, aside from the high-profile signings of Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray, the Astros aren't really expected to make one anyways.
Financial concerns and ownership's desire to cut payroll seem to be at the forefront this winter, save for maybe a few under-the-radar acquisitions. Or perhaps a trade?
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Astros and the Chicago White Sox are a match made in heaven when it comes to a potential trade.
Specifically because of the White Sox' position and willingness to move their stars in what could become a full on rebuild.
"The willingness of new GM Chris Getz to completely tear down the roster of a failed team makes the White Sox among the biggest wild cards this winter," writes Passan. "Admittedly the roster is not swollen with desirable trade candidates, but two players in particular could reap the sort of bounty that supercharges a rebuild. The first is Cease, who hasn't missed a start in four seasons. He suffered from some wretched batted-ball luck last season on the way to a 4.58 ERA, and while he's unlikely to match his 2.20 mark from 2022, Cease will be only 28 on Opening Day and comes with two years before free agency."
"The other is Luis Robert Jr., who hit 38 home runs, stole 20 bases and played an elite center field this year. Getz has said he's not shopping Robert, but he will listen, and if a team is willing to package big league talent with top prospects, Getz would be a fool not to entertain it."
Now, if the Astros would really entertain this idea then it could lead to one of the most dynamic and power-heavy lineups in baseball. Robert is a clear upgrade in center field over Chas McCormick or Jake Meyers. One or both of whom would have to be included in a deal for Robert.
An MLB-ready pitcher like Hunter Brown, or more likely J.P. France, would also have to be included in the deal.
For a team like Houston who needs an impact acquisition to stay with the pack in the American League West, this is a deal you must contemplate. For the White Sox, getting two or three MLB-ready guys goes a long way in helping perpetuate or even avoid a rebuild altogether.
It's a perfect fit.
