Call to the pen
Fansided

Two realistic reliever trade options for the Houston Astros

By Kyle Cardoza

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 14: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 14, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 14: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 14, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 28: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros visits Charlie Morton #50 on the mound during Game 4 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, October 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

As the trade deadline looms, the Houston Astros remain interested in finding a reliever on the market. And there are still several pitchers available, but only a few seem like viable options at this point.

Contenders across the league are making moves to remain in the playoff race. While the Houston Astros have a minor chance of missing the postseason, they still want to reinforce their club for the future.

And at this point, that means acquiring a late-inning reliever.

The Cleveland Indians made a move to obtain Brad Hand. Their reasons were viable, as closer Cody Allen demonstrated Friday night. Moreover, Cleveland’s relief staff is one of the worst in the league.

Houston doesn’t have that problem. Nevertheless, an additional efficient reliever could be the difference between a world Series title or an early exit in the playoffs.

Thought that statement seems a bit exaggerated, meltdowns in the later innings of the game thwart great teams from winning a playoff series. And the Astros don’t want to take any chances when they can avoid those situations.

Analysts and team officers fashioned Ken Giles as the team’s closer for a long-term period. Undoubtedly, the hard-throwing right-hander was inconsistent. Now he might not be an asset in October whatsoever.

Nevertheless, Hector Rondon assumed the responsibility during Giles’s decline. And the former Cubs closer thrived during the first half of the season.

Even if Houston swaps for a late-inning reliever, Rondon could remain closer. Manager A.J. Hinch analyzes all of his options in the pen. Also, the Astros possess multiple players that can shut down opponents in the ninth inning.

Brad Peacock and Chris Devenski both have saves this year, exemplifying the relief corps’s versatility. Additionally, Collin McHugh and Will Harris are also reliable enough to place in critical situations.

Yet, with all of the relievers on the market, Houston would be wise to grab one. Top-tier pitchers are still available and realistic options. 

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