Heading into the Houston Astros game today, Houston’s starting pitchers rank fourth in ERA. However, injuries have taken a toll on the Astros’ pitching staff and it’s having a significant influence on their approach to the MLB trade deadline.
Even after Justin Verlander departed in free agency, Houston had a strong rotation. However, Lance McCullers Jr. suffered a setback with his elbow that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Luis Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery and Jose Urquidy is on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder injury.
- Dylan Cease stats: 4.04 ERA, 28% K-rate, 1.31 WHIP, .232 batting average allowed
Related: Chicago White Sox increasingly likely to trade All-Star hitter
The recent injuries have taken a toll on the Astros’ rotation. Since June 22, a 25-game stretch, Astros’ starting pitchers rank 22nd in ERA (4.91). As a result, adding a front-line starter has become Houston’s top priority.
Jon Heyman of the NY Post shared on MLB Network’s Inside Corner, that Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease is the Astros’ “dream acquisition” and is the one starter the front office would “love” to acquire. However, cost and availability could be a problem.
“Close to untouchable. So, they’d have to pay a big price to add Dylan Cease.”
Jon Heyman on Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease, interest from Houston Astros
Related: MLB trade tracker
- Dylan Cease contract: $5.7 million salary (2023), arbitration-eligible (2024-’25)
While the White Sox are sellers in July, the team has minimal interest in trading Cease. He was viewed as a Cy Young candidate entering the season and with two years of contract control remaining, he’s an important player for the organization.
However, the Astros are still going to attempt to land Cease. After a rough start to the season, Cease has a 3.00 ERA with a 33.2 percent strikeout rate and a .224 batting average allowed over his last nine starts. It’s reflective of the pitcher who earned All-MLB Second Team honors in 2022.
If the Astros can’t land their new ace, they’ll likely pivot to Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. The Cubs are committed sellers and with Stroman poised to become a free agent this winter, they want to move him now. Based on Stroman’s resume and the affordable cost to acquire him, he’ll likely be Houston’s top target if Cease won’t be traded.