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3 Potential Pitchers the Houston Astros should look to acquire at the deadline to replace Lance McCullers Jr.
The Astros need another top arm they can rely on in the playoffs
Jordan Montgomery, SP, Cardinals
The Houston Astros could use Jordan Montgomery's consistency and veteran presence in the rotation this season. The St. Louis Cardinals have been a disaster this season and will be likely parting ways with a few starting pitchers, one of which would be a great add for the Astros. Montgomery's numbers are not overwhelming, but they are consistent, and that more than anything would be a welcomed addition to the rotation in Houston.
Montgomery has a career 3.85 ERA and 1.230 WHIP over the course of 7 years, playing on both the Cardinals and the Yankees. This year Montgomery is 3-7 with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP, but his overall numbers look very consistent with last years and 2021 numbers. If Montgomery can lower his walk numbers in Houston, he could very easily be the 3rd best pitcher on the team and he will get more support from Houston in the pen than he has had in St. Louis.
Lucas Giolito, SP, White Sox
Lucas Giolito would add a boost to the Houston Astros rotation as well, with eight years of experience under his belt and a career ERA of 4.26, which he is surging passed this year. Recent reports also suggest that several White Sox players have asked to be traded this year and Giolito is set to become a free agent next year.
Giolito is doing exceptionally well this season posting a 3.54 ERA and a 1.239 WHIP both below his career averages. Giolito's walks per 9 innings average is down as well this year at 2.9, while his home runs and strikeouts per 9 innings has remained relatively consistent. Another big selling point is he has playoff experience and although it is only two starts (one against Houston), he does have more than any of the three young pitchers the Astros have in their rotation now.
Corbin Burnes, SP, Brewers
The Houston Astros would be very excited to have a former Cy-Young available at the deadline for them to acquire. If the Milwaukee Brewers keep tanking, they could find themselves sellers at the deadline and with Corbin Burnes on a one-year contract, he would be a trade piece. The NL central has been very weak this season so chances are slim but there is a chance, especially with the surging Reds.
Burnes would add a good amount of veteran experience to a young rotation as he has pitched in the playoffs a few different times, and has more experience than Giolito in that realm. Burnes is having an off year but the Astros pitching staff is known for turning guys into gems and could likely turn around the career 3.32 ERA and 1.064 WHIP pitcher who is currently sitting at a 3.96 ERA with a 1.150 WHIP. His strikeout numbers are way down this year but the rest of his averages are on par with past performance, suggesting he can turn it around. The Astros would have a gem if they can both trade for him and sign him longer term, but it will cost them.