Houston Astros: Remembering the ridiculous Stanton offer and more!
Houston Astros: Top 3 Comical Trade Ideas
- Astros get Xander Bogaerts
- Red Sox get Bud Norris
The Houston Astros had a hot commodity in Bud Norris and were trying to get a quality return for a proven arm. Norris had four years of starts under his belt and had a track record of staying healthy. In negotiations with the Red Sox, Luhnow said Xander Bogaerts would be someone the Astros would be interested in, along with others.
Bogaerts was young at the time, and like Giolito in the trade proposal before, young players can go one of two ways. They can go on a path to stardom or on a path to journeyman. Bogaerts was just 21 years old and was a highly touted infield prospect.
Related Story. Astros preview and predictions for 2020. light
Norris was eventually moved to the Baltimore Orioles for Josh Hader, L.J. Hoes, and a draft pick (they initially asked for Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman).
Norris won 15 games in 2014 for the Orioles before going 2-9 with a 7.06 earned run average the following year. He’s been with five teams since, resurrecting his career as a closer-saving 28 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018, but sitting out all of 2019. He was in camp with the Phillies this year.
Bogaerts on the other hand has put together several good seasons and was a key part of two Red Sox World Series teams. After a 33 home run, 117 RBI year last year, Bogaerts will be in MVP discussions for a handful more years to come.