Trade Deadline Preview: Houston Astros
By Drew Jenkins
May 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Chad Qualls (50) throws in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Astros defeated the Orioles 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Three pieces that could be on the trading block
1. Chad Qualls
Qualls has quietly put up a nice season as the Astros closer, posting a 2.05 ERA and saving 9 games. The Astros have Qualls under control through 2015 with a team option for 2016, so they have no obligation to trade him at this years deadline. That being said, Qualls struggled mightily before a resurgent 2013 season, and at 35 years old there’s no telling when he is going to struggle. His value is at the highest it every will be, and the Astros won’t likely compete when he’s on the roster anyways. If they get the opportunity to flip him for young talent, expect a deal to happen.
2. Dexter Fowler
Fowler’s trade value with the Colorado Rockies was iffy, as some believed his offense was the product of playing half his games at Coors Field. But despite a move to Houston this season, Fowler’s numbers have been right around his career numbers. A free agent after 2015, the Astros aren’t going to compete with Fowler on the roster unless they extended him (which is a possibility). If they do not expect to extend him, his trade value is likely at its peak right now. Thus, the Astros could easily deal Fowler for prospects at the deadline even though they just acquired him last offseason.
3. Tony Sipp
Starting out the year pitching in the minor leagues for the San Diego Padres, Sipp has impressed since signing a deal with the Astros in May. His ERA sits at 1.89, and he has posted a 25-2 K-BB ratio in 19.0 innings. That is likely too good to be true, but Sipp could be a useful lefty-specialist in plenty of big league bullpens. Like Qualls and Fowler, the Astros aren’t going to compete with him on the roster, as he is controllable through just next season. They may not pull in a good return, but if the Astros can pull in an intriguing minor leaguer, they should pull the trigger on a Sipp deal.