Houston Astros veterans Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee are all expected to garner trade interest this summer. While the Astros have been competitive so far this season, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com expects the club to ultimately become sellers. When they do, Heyman believes that the Astros should be able to move at least two of Rodriguez, Myers and Lee.
So far this season the Astros have played just well enough to remain in the picture in the National League Central. However, at 15-20, Houston has now lost three straight and six of their last 10. If this trend continues, which is expected, the Astros could quickly turn into sellers will several veteran players available for trade.
Houston was said to be shopping all of the same players they’ll likely be marketing this winter; Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee. Many were surprised that the Astros only dealt away Mark Melancon this winter and had their other veterans on their roster entering the 2012 campaign.
It is expected that several of these players will end up being dealt this summer, especially considering their solid starts to the season.
Wandy Rodriguez has been one of the league’s most consistent starters over the past half-decade. The left-hander is off to a hot start for the Astros, posting a 1.99 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP over his first eight starts spanning 54 1/3 innings.
If Rodriguez is traded he will likely be owed $26 million over the next two seasons on top of what he has remaining of his current $10 million 2012 salary. Still, the Astros are likely to find a taker for Rodriguez this summer.
Converted closer Brett Myers blew his first save opportunity of the season Sunday. Still, Myers has been impressive as Houston’s finisher this season, maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 1.42 and 0.79 over his 12 2/3 innings pitched. Myers is owed $11 million this season and has a $10 million option for 2013 which includes a $3 million buyout.
Though Carlos Lee is the only player of the three whose current contract is up following the 2012 season, El Caballo could be the hardest of the trio to move. Earning $18.5 million this season, Lee’s numbers have continued to decline. Over his 123 at-bats for the Astros, Lee has posted an OPS of .738 while manning first base.
For more on the Astros be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.
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