Astros: Five trade targets to consider this offseason

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 06: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the Cleveland Indians is taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros during Game Two of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 6, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Trade Target #4: RHP Carlos Carrasco

One of more infuriating rumors from this offseason has came from the Indians. Although the club currently plays in the worst division, Buster Olney of ESPN reported that Cleveland is willing to listen on trade offers for some of their best players not named Francisco Lindor or Jose Ramirez.

Faced with market constraints, the Indians will listen to trade offers for some of their veteran players this winter, according to sources. Kluber, Carrasco, Encarnacion, Gomes, etc. Lindor, Ramirez will definitely be held.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 2, 2018

Thanks to “market constraints”, the Indians are looking to retool a bit. I guess there is some merit to such an action, but the situation reeks of cheap ownership. That said, the Astros should look into acquiring one of Cleveland’s pitchers. Corey Kluber is an obvious one, but the price for him in terms of prospect is likely quite high. Instead, Houston should take a long look at right-hander Carlos Carrasco.

2018 stats: 192 IP, 3.38 ERA, 2.94 FIP, 46.8% GB%, 29.5% K%, 5.5% BB%

Once I looked at his stats though, I am pretty sure Carrasco won’t come cheap for any team. The 31-year old has been one of the majors most underrated starters in recent years. He is also under club control for a reasonable price through 2021. If you’re a fan of a contending club, like the Astros, you should hope that your front office is willing to trade for Carrasco. The fact that the Indians are even thinking about trading him at this point infuriates the baseball fan in me even more.

Like Paxton, the prospect package for Carrasco won’t be light. At the same time, I am not sure if the Astros would part ways with Whitley or Tucker for him. Probably not, but trade negotiations can always take an unexpected turn. Yordan Alvarez or J.B. Bukauskas are the likely starting point in any negotiation. Houston’s starting rotation does require some stability beyond 2019, and acquiring Carrasco would be a fine place to start.

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