The Houston Astros may be in the hunt for a frontline starter, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the club may have a match with Philadelphia Phillies starter Cole Hamels.
The Phillies’ overt willingness to significantly pay down the money on Hamels’ deal also could aid Houston’s chances, as the Astros aren’t inclined to pay any one player $24 million annually but possess the type of prospects to give them trading power. But even if they can’t get Hamels – remember, he has a 20-team no-trade list that includes them — the Astros, who currently carry the best record in the AL and are maybe a year or two ahead of their own schedule for serious contention, are said to be intent on adding someone who qualifies as a frontline starter, not just rotation filler.
The move would make sense for the Astros. They’ve unexpectedly posted 34 wins, most in the American League, and don’t look like they’re going to slow down. The teams youth movement is paying dividends quicker than expected, so they may be approaching a win-now mentality after years of being mediocre.
RECAP: @kidkeuchy strikes out 7 in 6 innings, #Astros drop series finale to the Orioles, 3-2. http://t.co/NesnMV9YBQ pic.twitter.com/e7VtapXtBM
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 4, 2015
The team has two legitimate starters in Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh. They’ve also got a young starter in Lance McCullers Jr, who’s early returns have been promising – as he’s posted a 2-0 record with 29 strikeouts in 25 innings, while hitting the high 90s on the radar gun. The backend of the rotation has been a bit problematic as Scott Feldman has been dealing with injuries, and Roberto Hernandez has been adequate but is not a long-term solution, and more than a stopgap.
The Astros certainly have the farm system and a the cap space to make the move.
Hamels would provide the Astros with an absolutely filthy trio of pitchers, with multiple youngsters coming up the pipeline. It would legitimatize their playoff chances, and would instantly make them – dare I say – favourites?
