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Climbing Tal's Hill

Houston Astros: One Last Move Options for Luhnow

By Josh Cameron

Sep 17, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) hits a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) hits a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wei-Yin Chen, Starting Pitcher

Sep 19, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

I have longed considered Wei-Yin Chen as a potential option for the Astros. In November, I proposed Chen as a better option for the Astros than Scott Kazmir, who recently signed with the Dodgers.  This is what I wrote in my previous post:

"At 30 years old, the lefty has a career  3.72 ERA along with a 46-32 record.  In 2014, Chen went 16-6, had a 3.54 ERA, and posted a 1.23 WHIP.  In 2015, Chen improved his ERA to 3.34, went 11-8, and posted a 1.22 WHIP.  In 31 starts this season, Chen only gave up more than three runs in four starts.  Kazmir gave up more than three runs in four starts . . . after being traded to the Astros.  Chen is consistent.  With Astros run support, Chen could easily be a 15 game winner.  Chen would likely be around $10 million per season."

Houston Astros: Who’s a Better Option, Scott Kazmir or Wei-Yin Chen?

Next: Astros Roster: Will there be a spot for Preston Tucker?

The part that was way off on: $10 million per season. Chen is reportedly seeking a five-year, $100 million contract.  This is way out of the Astros price range.  The opportunity here is that next year’s starting pitching free agent class is super weak.  The Astros could talk Chen into a one-year contract so that he can cash in on the $100 million contract next season.

**Stats from Baseball-Reference**

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