Astros: Padres are shooting high in exchange for Brad Hand

Is the Brad Hand market starting to take shape? Will the Astros give up what it takes for him?

There are no specific rumors linking the Houston Astros to Brad Hand. As Jon Heyman pointed out yesterday, the Astros could switch their focus from acquiring a starter to acquiring a closer to solidify the bullpen. While Hand is not a closer, he has the stuff to help close the game out.

However, Heyman states that the Padres are shooting high. They are looking for one prospect, more specifically, one of a team’s top prospects. As the deadline nears, maybe they will lower what they are asking for. Hand is under team control through 2019.

According to Heyman, the Padres asked for the Dodgers second best prospect Alex Verdugo. I’m sure they tried not to laugh to keep the trade discussion ongoing. They reportedly asked for Gleyber Torres from the Yankees in exchange for Hand. In translation, they would be asking for Kyle Tucker Astros fans. Too high a price?

Heyman says that 10 teams have inquired about Hand, he does not list Houston. Hand has a 4-2 record with a 2.30 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 47 innings. He may be the top of the left-handed pitching market as the deadline approaches. The team could use some more arms in the bullpen, but the rotation must pitch deeper into games.

Next: Astros Rumors: Team wants Jacob deGrom but he is not available

While fans might think the Astros don’t have to give up a lot for Hand, he is the Jose Quintana of left-handed pitching. With ten teams involved, the price will rise. It would not be surprising to hear that the Stros made a push to acquire the All-Star pitcher. However, Jeff Luhnow prefers not to get in a bidding war.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***