Potential Astros Pitching Target Likely to be Traded

The Houston Astros seemingly are willing to have a quiet offseason this year. Their roster is pretty much set and owner Jim Crane wants to keep the payroll around the same figure as in 2023.

That limits what general manager Dana Brown can do within free agency as they won't be involved with the high-profile names who are looking for large paydays.

However, that doesn't necessarily prevent the Astros from getting involved in trade conversations.

With some questions about the health of their starting pitching rotation going forward beyond 2024, they could pursue one of the best starters in the league who will seemingly be made available for trade this offseason.

The Milwaukee Brewers are rumored to be exploring trades for their ace Corbin Burnes as they look to be willing to undergo a rebuild.

One former MLB executive thinks it's likely he'll be dealt.

"I think they both will get traded this offseason. If you want a probability, I’d say there’s a 35 percent chance they stay until the trade deadline and 65 percent chance they get dealt this winter," Jim Bowden wrote for The Athletic when asked about Burnes and Willy Adames.

Houston should at least inquire to see what type of package it would take for them to land the right-hander. Burnes is projected to make roughly $14.1 million in 2024, which wouldn't break their budget. Following the season, he'll become a free agent.

If the Astros want to use him as a one year rental as they chase another World Series championship, paying that salary for one of the top pitchers in the game would be a bargain.

It would also allow Houston to evaluate Burnes within their organization to see if they want to offer him a long-term contract.

Justin Verlander will be 41 years old in 2024 and will be in the last year of his contract. Framber Valdez had a rough back-half of the season and horrendous playoffs. Injuries to Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia present questions about their viability going forward.

Burnes could immediately become the ace of this pitching staff and would provide the Astros with an elite one-two punch if Valdez becomes the Cy Young contender that he's shown in years past.