Which pitcher is most likely traded to the Houston Astros?

6th Most Likely Pitcher Traded to the Astros

Jul 10, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) throws to the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels

The Hamels situation is crazy right now, he will come to Houston or he will not come to Houston. There is a reason that Hamels and Houston keep on getting linked because the Astros have the prospects and financial room to facilitate a blockbuster trade for Hamels. I recognized this in the offseason and still think that they are a match made in the baseball heaven. However, I don’t think Hamels will end up wearing an Astros uniform. Even though the thought of Hamels on this team is cool because he has been an ace for a while now.

Pros

• Signed till at least 2018, so he is not a rental pitcher.
• Cheap ace compared to what the current pitchers are getting.
• Harder throwing left-handed complement to Keuchel
• Averages 9.33 strikeouts per nine innings, from Fangraphs.
• Could rejuvenate his season getting out of Philly.

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Cons

• He has struggled recently.
• Has a no-trade clause for the Astros, so Luhnow would have to make an offer he can’t refuse.
• Keeps being reported that he does not want to pitch in Houston.
• With long-term control, it would cost more prospects than a Cueto trade would. If you ask for salary relief, be ready to fork over more prospects.

Prediction: The Astros will pass on him, and he will end up going to the Texas Rangers where he will be a thorn-in-the-side of the Astros for the next three years. The Rangers will lose on the days that Hamels does not pitch because they traded away a lot to get him. Based on my poll, the other bloggers thought he was the 6th likely pitcher traded to the Astros, getting 26 points.

For more CTH coverage of Cole Hamels, click here.

Next: 5th Most Likely Pitcher Traded to the Astros