Astros: Peter Solomon could be boosting his trade stock

With the trade deadline over a week away on July 30, the Houston Astros have been linked to a couple All-Stars. The swirling winds of trade rumors come with comments about the farm system’s shorthandedness, but all ranking is bias, while the Astros have some blossoming major-leaguers in Triple-A and beyond.

For the Sugar Land Skeeters, Peter Solomon has found a groove with the Triple-A affiliate. The right-hander ranks first in opponents batting average (.198) in the Triple-A West division, while adding a fifth pitch to his arsenal.

The Astros might not have the biggest named prospects, but Peter Solomon is building a case to be trade bait.

Solomon made his major-league debut this season in response to the COVID-19 scare through the clubhouse in April. While a 40-man roster pitcher, the right-hander has made short stints here and there but hasn’t been a go-to option to be recalled every other week.

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While mainly a starter, Solomon has seen time in the bullpen in his call ups. This is in part to a surplus of starters, when the rotation is fully healthy. With seven possibilities at disposal even before any deadline transaction, there isn’t much room for Solomon, if everyone stays healthy.

The right-hander could be a spot starter or long reliever on a handful of rebuilding teams, and for the Astros, Solomon could be packaged for the high-leverage arm of their liking. He currently ranks 12th in the system per MLB Pipeline.

In his last two starts, Solomon has totaled 13 innings, two hits, two earned runs, two walks and 17 strikeouts. With inflated numbers being no secret in Triple-A, the right-hander ranks sixth in ERA (4.82), tied for third in strikeouts (62) and third in WHIP (1.18) in the West division.

Solomon offers a right-handed ready arm now for any team that is looking to rebuild, and if not, he still has options for the next two seasons. The 24-year-old has advanced quickly since leaving Notre Dame, and although an arm injury is a thing of the past, Solomon is offering trade value with his recent accomplishments and lack of major-league opportunities.