2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Interest in Astros Wandy Rodriguez “Nonexistent”

So far this offseason we’ve watched several trades occur involving experienced starting pitchers.  More arms could be moved in the coming weeks, but one player that’s gained surprisingly little attention this offseason has been Houston Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez.  Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that, as hard as it may be to believe, team’s interest in Rodriguez “seems almost nonexistent”.

The Houston Astros received a new owner and front office makeover this winter.  With these changes, many expected their roster to get revamped as well.  Houston entered the season with several veteran players that likely didn’t fit into their long-term plans, and the club was expected to be active in the trade market this winter.

But, other than shipping reliever Mark Melancon to the Red Sox, the Astros have been unable to move any of their veteran players.  Interest didn’t figure to be great for aging slugger Carlos Lee or even pitcher Brett Myers, but it was expected that left-hander Wandy Rodriguez would draw interest from teams looking for additional pitching.

At the end of November teams began expressing interest in Rodriguez, but the rumors have been minimal since then.  In the beginning of December it was reported that the Astros were actively shopping their veterans, including Rodriguez, and later still it was rumored that Houston would be willing to take on some of Wandy’s salary in order to further facilitate a trade.

Rodriguez is owed $10 million next season, so it’s not like his price tag should be prohibitive, especially if the Astros are indeed willing to eat salary.

Wandy’s also been one of the league’s most consistent starters over the past three years.  During that time the 32-year-old has made at least 30 starts and logged at least 191 innings per season with ERA’s at or below 3.60.

Rodriguez’s contract includes a club option for the 2014 season, so the Astros do not have to be in any hurry to move him.  If they’re unable to find a suitor this winter, Houston could look to trade Rodriguez during the deadline or even wait until next offseason.

For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.