Astros: Way to early trade assumptions for Houston

Lately, the Astros starting rotation has struggled and even though it’s May it’s time to look ahead at a potential trade scenario.

The Houston Astros‘ current rotation is based on the success of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Last season they had Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. to carry the back end of the rotation. Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh have struggled recently and post a combined 8.64 ERA While the offense has been inconsistent as well, the key to the rest of the season will be centered around the rotation.

It’s Time To Call The Bay Area.

The San Francisco Giants are far from being competitive this season and will likely be looking to rebuild when the trade deadline approaches. The 29-year-old World Series champion Madison Bumgarner will be the center of the deadline. Bumgarner would be a perfect fit to the Astros rotation and can be a part of another World Series run. It might take a pretty hefty haul to force the Giants to ship him to Houston.

He currently has a 3.92 ERA and has a 43/7 K/BB ratio and averages 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings. Astros fans would rejoice at the acquisition of MadBum and imagine a rotation composed of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Madison Bumgarner.

What’s The Haul For Houston?

Astros receive: Madison Bumgarner

Giants receive: Framber Valdez, Derek Fisher, and Garrett Stubbs

The Giants receive three solid players, Valdez can come in and take over Bumgarner’s spot and Fisher could finally get a chance to compete consistently at the Major League level. Stubbs can come in and take over the catcher’s role for the Giants and give the aging Buster Posey a chance to play first base/outfield more consistently.

Outlook.

Overall, this would be a sweet pick for the Astros and could result in another World Series title. This wouldn’t be a surprising move for GM Jeff Luhnow to make and could pay off big-time for Houston. Bumgarner has the experience, success, and the drive to help lead a team to another championship.