Houston Astros: Three potential trade targets for the rotation

Matthew Boyd

With plenty of pitching prospects coming through the pipeline and about to reach the majors, the Detroit Tigers could capitalize on Matthew Boyd at the deadline.

It is not so much a knock on Boyd as it is a testament to the pitchers the Tigers have on the cusp of reaching the majors. Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Matt Manning are all top prospects, and will need a place in the rotation. Boyd is also the type of player that would be expendable in a rebuild, which the Tigers are still in, even if they are currently over .500.

Although it feels as though he has been around forever, Boyd is still under team control through 2022, making him more than a rental for the Houston Astros. He has struggled this year, just like the other pitchers named before him, posting a 9.20 ERA and a 1.909 WHiP. But he is striking out nearly a batter an inning with solid command.

Boyd could be another arm that would benefit from the Astros program. With their focus on spin rates, they could unlock Boyd’s potential. He would also likely be a relatively cheap pickup, not costing much in the way of prospects given his inconsistency and struggles this season.

None of these pitchers would exactly grab headlines. But for the Houston Astros, any of these pitchers could become what they need to push for a playoff spot this season.