The Houston Astros Should Trade for Johnny Cueto

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Possible Package for Cueto

Jun 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) looks out onto the field prior to playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Originally it was thought that Luhnow would only be willing to trade for a controllable pitcher like Cole Hamels, recently it is believed that Luhnow is looking for a cheaper option than Hamels. In the article As trade season approaches the Astros have a hole in rotation, Evan Drellich states that, “sources say a two- to three-month rental pitcher who will become a free agent this winter, or possibly someone whose contract runs for one more year, is the most likely acquisition for the Astros. In other words, Hamels appears a long shot.”

In the article, Drellich also said that the Reds and Brewers had scouts watching Triple-A Fresno. However, we should not expect any trades from the Reds until after the All-Star game, as they are hosting the event this year. Trading Cueto and/or Aroldis Chapman would be a PR nightmare.

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Even though David Price wasn’t a rental player, I will use the trade last year from the Rays to the Tigers as the basis for my trade idea. The Rays got Drew Smyly, Nick Franklin, and Willy Adames. I think the Astros would have to trade Tony Kemp and Michael Feliz, plus one of Nolan Fontana or L.J. Hoes. These players can be swapped out, just giving you an idea of what it would take. They might go after Teoscar Hernadez or Domingo Santana as well, but it is hard to predict what a GM will do.

While this seems like a steep price, we need to do what it takes to get to the World Series this year. Contrary to what Brian wrote in his earlier post, Johnny Cueto could have the same impact that Randy Johnson did in the 2007 season, if not more. He would stabilize the rotation, and take some of the pressure off McCullers and Velasquez. If Cueto can perform like David Price did after the trade last year, it will be well worth it.

Jeff Luhnow knows how to value prospects, and won’t get worked over by other GMs. Before a trade is made, I’m sure there will be some feelers sent out to how willing he would be to re-sign with the Astros. Can’t wait for the madness of the trade deadline, this will be my first since I started blogging.

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The Houston Astros Should NOT Trade for Johnny Cueto

The Houston Astros Should Trade for Johnny Cueto

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