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Astros Trade Idea: Could McGee be an option for the Astros bullpen?
After struggling in 2016, McGee would find success in Houston.
One of the keys for the Houston Astros coming out of the All-Star break was getting Tony Sipp going. After pitching two solid years for this Astros team, Sipp’s 2016 has been the worst of his career.
In his five appearances after the All-Star break, Sipp has been better. He has a 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched, striking out four. However, the signs are still there that Sipp is having a rough season. In those four innings, Sipp has given up five hits and has walked two, posting a 1.50 WHIP and a .364 batting average against.
The Astros need someone to come out of the bullpen to get left-handed hitters out. With Sipp not proving himself, it is likely that the Astros look elsewhere. As I wrote about in “The Sipp Solution,” the first name that comes to mind is Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever, Will Smith. With a good track record and great potential, I expect the Brewers are asking a lot in return for Smith. The Astros have the prospects to do so, but the asking price may be too high for a lefty specialist.
With the Astros still in the market for a southpaw reliever, they should look for one who has a proven track record in the American League. His name is Jake McGee.
Entering the season as the closer for the Colorado Rockies, the 29-year-old left-hander has had a horrible season after being a part of the deal that sent Corey Dickerson to Tampa Bay this off-season. In 37 games this season, he has a 5.40 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP in 30 innings of work.
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2016 has been a rough season for McGee no doubt. But, it has been a complete flop compared to his six seasons with the Rays. He had a 2.77 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP and averaged 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
His strikeout numbers have decreased dramatically this season with only striking out 22 in 30 innings of work. With that change, his stuff has become a lot more hittable, with his walks per nine innings, hits per nine innings and home runs were given up per nine innings have each increased dramatically.
However, there are reasons to believe that McGee that can turn around his season if he is traded. First, Coors Field has not been kind to McGee this season. In 18 appearances at home, he has an 8.80 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP. With 15 earned runs given up in 15.1 innings at home, he also has only struck out 10. When he is away from Coors Field, his numbers come back to normal. Even though his WHIP is still at 1.50, he has only given up three earned runs in his 14.2 innings, posting a 1.84 ERA in those 19 games.
Second, he does have closing experience. Even though he did lose the closer role to right-handed rookie Carlos Estevez after he went on the disabled list on June 11th with right knee inflammation, McGee recorded 15 saves in 19 opportunities this season.
Also, post All-Star break, he has been much better. In his nine appearances, McGee has a 1.80 ERA, giving up an earned run on five hits and two walks in five innings.
Third, McGee does have postseason experience. In 3.1 innings of work with the Rays in 2011 and 2013, McGee gave up two earned runs on three hits and three walks. He also struck out three in his five appearances.
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With an ability to succeed outside of the best hitter’s park in the league, this trade would push the Astros into not only playoff contention but into World Series contention. McGee would provide the stability, along with Sipp, to get lefties out at the end of games. And if Will Harris struggles, he has the experience to get hitters out at the end of ballgames.
However, it’s hard to determine how much the Astros would be willing to give up for a pitcher like McGee. He is eligible for arbitration next season and will become a free agent in 2018. With the Rockies in rebuilding mode with their offensive future already up, in Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado, the answer is probably in pitching. With a couple of years under control for McGee, the asking price might be a top 30 pitching prospect that is farther away from major league action. Some names that may be considered could be Brendan McCurry, Jandel Gustave, or Reymin Guduan.
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It is unclear how much the Astros would have to give up to get a guy like McGee. However, the need is there, and he is a relatively cheap option that could prove to be the most underrated deal this trade deadline. With a fastball in the mid-nineties, McGee has the strikeout potential to be a key guy for the Astros this season.
***Stats from Baseball-Reference***