Which pitcher is most likely traded to the Houston Astros?

2 of 8

7th Pitcher Most Likely to be Traded to Houston

Jul 19, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Cueto

This may come as a surprise to most Astros fans because he has been touted as the Astros primary target. The only problem is that the current GM of the Reds is Walt Jocketty, who Astros’ GM Jeff Luhnow clashed with different philosophies while the both worked with the Cardinals. Cueto was at the bottom of my list because I think that Jocketty will want to get the better end of the deal or he won’t do it. While no one can argue his stuff, some concerns have been brought up this year with minor elbow pain at times.

Yes, #Astros still talking on Hamels but much more aggressive on rentals. Other clubs say Johnny Cueto at the top of their list (if healthy)
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 22, 2015

Pros

Next to Price, Cueto has the best stuff on the market.
Could have the Randy Johnson effect for the Astros
Young, great extension candidate.
Would give the team a dynamic duo in a playoff run.

Cons

Next to Price, Cueto has the best stuff on the market. That means that the Yankees, Dodgers, and other teams can drive each others price up.
Walt Jocketty.
Elbow pain?
Most likely looking to get a big contract, see Jon Lester before Max Scherzer signed.

That said, rival clubs remain concerned that Cueto twice had starts pushed back this season due to elbow trouble. How concerned, we’ll see.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 21, 2015