The Astros are fielding interest in several of their most enticing players, according to a report from Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle.
That includes top young outfielder George Springer, who Drellich says the club is “open to moving … if the haul is big enough.” Per MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart (via Twitter), though, Houston has not discussed Springer in any trades.
Houston has heard from teams looking at righties Vince Velasquez and Lance McCullers Jr., too, though the team is more willing to consider dealing the former. And the Cubs are among the clubs that have interest in Carlos Gomez, though Drellich says there’s a hesitancy to part with him.
In terms of possible targets, the Chronicle report notes that the ’Stros have discussed Carlos Carrasco with the Indians, as Zack Meisel of the Plain Dealer previously tweeted. He’d obviously require a significant return to acquire. And Houston is also talking with the Yankees about closer Andrew Miller.
All in all, it seems there are numerous possibilities in play for the Astros, with the report citing a focus on pitching. It would remain extremely surprising if a player like Springer is traded, but the fact that the team is willing to consider the possibility illustrates the potential for major asset shifting. It goes without saying, of course, that he’d only be parted with in a deal for a truly significant player.
Tyler 20
I would LOVE to see if the Braves could try and get Springer somehow. Wonder what it would take
delinodefielder
Ender Inciarte, Aaron Blair, & Dansby Swanson
bhambravesfan
I thought the same thing but I would say someone of the caliber of Jose Fernandez
R.D.
Toussiant, Newcomb, Enciarte, Bethancourt?
Depends who the Astros like. The Braves could totally get it done though with the young-minded Astros on the other end.
bhambravesfan
I would make that trade, but it would have to include Grilli and cash or Vizzy
RedFeather
Almost a perfect fit for the Cardinals.
Indyjuster
It would have taken Shelby Miller, a fireball closer, and a stud prospect OF.
astrofan
Tyler, it would take stupidity on the part of the Astros to let him go. Hes more than an incredible player, he’s is like throwing gas on a fire when the team needs to get hot.
jason03
I’m suprised the Cubs wouldn’t be more interested in Jake Marisnick. He has much more upside, he’s young, and they have the offense to cover his bat, which I think will improve to .270/15/60, with 50 sb. Gomez is a head case and his production will fall off.
Los Calcetines Rojos
so an all-star CF? bold prediction right there
jason03
Could be wrong, but I think he has the talent.
thebare54
Gomez is a nut job but Cubs have leaders that will put him on the right path Areatta in the second round then Ross will get a mop and Klein his act up quick.LOL
Acuña Matata
For Springer? Hart should just send an email w/ 1-5 all blank. Let the ‘stros fill it in
Bob Smiley
The Astros want SP. Teheran would have to be in the deal but he is not close to Springer level.
keyboardxgms
Tehran is so overrated and overhyped by people on here and media. I don’t see what people see in him. Rather keep Springer over trading for him and realizing he will beterrible in AL.
Acuña Matata
Teheran is far from overrated. Now come next season if he looks like 2015 Teheran you might be right. Really he just needs to avoid the AL East as much as humanly possible. Other than that from the AL teams hes faced (Oakland, Texas, Twins) he’s pitched well.
bhambravesfan
5 years at 40MM for a starter as solid as Samardzjia. There is plenty of value there for a 24 year old
McGlynn
Carrasco+ prospects for springer seems like a good fit for both clubs
jonscriff
yeah right …..
Joe McMahon
Surely you mean Springer + prospects for Carrasco? Springer is a great young up and comer, but Carrasco is a legitimate ace. A top 15 starter in the game, on a ridiculously team friendly contract.
Paulo
Hahahhahahahahahaha Carrasco an ace lmfao please just stay in the mediocrity zone for sports that is Cleveland and don’t try to say a #3 starter on any other team is an ace
sportscoach
Actually Carrasco became a legit ace last season. He is Clevelands number 2 pitcher and there number one has won a cy Young award. I guess that plus the fact he is controlled long term for less money than signing a number 4 free agent, says his value is very high
Mark 20
Carrasco is not an ace yet, but hes definitely not a #3. Id say in between at a number 2.
norcalguardiansfan
Last year, they were comparable with regards to WAR. They both have five years until they become free agents. Carrasco is being paid considerably more, but he is also a pitcher. Even in this environment where hitting is at a premium, this off season is showing us that pitching remains king.
I think Carrasco for Springer straight up makes sense.
stevebartmanmvp
You lost me at Carrasco being an ACE. He is two years from being a free agent.
norcalguardiansfan
Nope. He is signed for five more years (if you include his options)…..and he was 20th in the league in WAR last season. That at least puts him in the discussion for being a #1 starter.
David 29
WAR is a horrible way to judge pitching…
sportscoach
Carrasco is actually worth more than Springer but not by much. So no way is Cleveland willing to add in more. If anything they will want a prospect back with Springer. Doing a move like that would benefit both teams. Now if Houston went for Salazar, there could be a prospect added in maybe, but Cleveland and Houston have both players equal in value but both sides want more than just him back. If Carrasco goes to Houston it will be with like Frazier for Springer with Reed and Guduan. Coming back from Houston
blueberryninja
I don’t see Cleveland moving Frazier or Zimmer. Maybe Naquin or Ramsey or some pitching prospects.
sportscoach
Yeah, but Springer isn’t being moved unless they get something else with Carrasco. Cleveland needs a long term first base option and a lefty out of the bullpen. So essentially that deal would net Houston a starting SP and the number 35 prospect while a major league RF, and the 91 prospect and a lefty that throws almost 100 is going back to Cleveland. The deal makes sense but Cleveland could get more for Carrasco
stevebartmanmvp
2 years of Carrasco is not even close to 4 years of Springer. Not EVEN CLOSE
norcalguardiansfan
five years for Carrasco….and affordable, to boot.
haljordan77
You aren’t getting Springer and AJ. Reed for Carrasco and Frazier. Carrasco looked like an ace is 2014, but he wasn’t an ace last season and he only has two years of control left.
sportscoach
Ummm.. He was better in 2015 than 2014 and the thing is you are dead wrong about the contract he is signed through 2020 and there is team option years for 2019 and 2020 all for less than 40 mil over 5 seasons. His value is sky high because he is a legit #2 starter getting paid less than many #4/#5 starters. Please look at the fact he signed a contract before the start of last season.
blueberryninja
Carrasco + Ramsey / Naquin + Cash = Springer?
That maybe an overpay on the Indians side. A pitcher of Carrascos caliber + a lower end prospect should bring in Springer.
sandman12
Carrasco plus prospects for Springer? Don’t think so. Ozuna wasn’t enough for Cleveland and he is right on par with Springer but a year younger. Springer is yet to have a year like Ozuna’s 2014.
Bob Smiley
lol. Springer is worth way more than Ozuna. Period.
sandman12
What does Springer do better than Ozuna? I can’t find it in offensive or defensive statistics.
sportscoach
Springer hits for better average. Power is about the same as well, but I honestly think Springer is the better of the two players
Acuña Matata
Lol that didnt’ really answer his question
sportscoach
Springer hits for better average, takes more walks, and doesn’t have Scott Boras as his agent and has another year of team control. Those factors all make Springer more valuable. Now numbers wise defensively, Ozuna is supposedly a little better and is younger. So in essence, the Scott Boras as Ozuna agents hurts his trade value long term for teams
8soft
Yes it does, he says he hits for higher average.
8soft
Are you checking stolen bases? How about HR’s? How about the fact that Springer walks more than Ozuna? Hard to believe but true.
bhambravesfan
Springer is a future star and I would give twice what I would give for Ozuna. Ozuna is a role player not potential All Star
slogue
What stats are you looking at? Ozuna’s 2014 — which was better than anything he ever did in the minors? Springer has a career line of .256/.354/.463 compared to Ozuna’s .265/.311/.416. I don’t think they’re that comparable offensively. Ozuna is a year younger, but that’s pretty much the only argument for him over Springer.
Indyjuster
Springer got hurt the last two years. Last year by a beaned ball. His make up and skillset are much better than Ozuna’s. If he stays healthy this year he will put up monster numbers. Especially with the Astros lineup this year.
raysfanmack
WIth the Rays seemingly out on Baez, I don’t see why Silverman wouldn’t pick up the phone again for Springer or Tucker.
Cobb/Smyly/Moore + Boxberger/McGee for Springer + Tucker?
We need some offense. Alvarez or Carter ought to be pursued too IMO. Yes, all of the above are gonna K a lot but we need to be more aggressive.
lovethegame27
Angels lets get Springer…how about a trade??
keyboardxgms
For what? LOL Astros aren’t stupid to trade someone like springer to them.
lovethegame27
Heard y’all want pitching and we got that to offer
sportscoach
Springer is available but no one is getting him unless the other team overpays for him
keyboardxgms
Such as? Heany would he a decent starting point but obviously need a little more. Since its between division rivals and we know asking point is a TAD higher usually.
sportscoach
I doubt Houston would move him to the Angels unless they got a starting SP of a number 2 caliber plus two top prospects and maybe even more than that
pete70
Gomez to the Cubs would be huge. The lineup would be Zobrist Gomez Bryant Rizzo Schwarber Soler Montero (Pitcher) Russell
haterboyd
Springer needs to stay. Controlled for a while and is lock down OF who can hit. Dont do it Stros!
sportscoach
They are trying to figure out if they can upgrade the team overall by trading Springer. They aren’t doing it unless they get a lot back. So I doubt it will happen
haterboyd
I hope you are right. I dont think so but these dumb reporters push out so many crazy scenarios its hard to filter nonsense.
sportscoach
I don’t doubt this is true, but its not saying they even want to trade him, they are getting his value and if someone is willing to pay their demands then they will trade him. Every single team does it, just not always published that they are
Polez
Miller, Gardner, and Nova for Springer and Velasquez. This gives the Astros the closer they are looking for. The Yankees are looking to get younger. Remember you heard it hear first!!
Bob Smiley
wrong.
sportscoach
On paper that make sense, but I doubt Houston wants to take on that much money, they want a legit starter/closer with control and prospects back. Nova is a free agent in 2017. They want more control than that to be honest.
keyboardxgms
Hahahahahahhahhahahhah. My username fits you.
sportscoach
I got to do something other than study at college all day and I don’t have people around me to talk about things tooo! 😛
Bob Smiley
Springer is only being made available to let the Marlins know he can be had in a deal for Jose.
stevebartmanmvp
Exactly!
jb19
All these comments from Indians fans saying Carrasco for Springer plus prospects is crazy. If he’s so good and on a great contact keep him. I would rather have Springer anyway, he’s a legit threat for a 30/30 season and a plus defender. Just needs to have a 150 game season.. Springer> Ozuna. Wasn’t Ozuna in AAA bc he couldn’t hang in the bigs just last year?
sportscoach
Eh Cleveland needs another legit bat and they have depth in the starting rotation. They will have guys with major league experience pitching down in the minors even if we trade Carrasco. They need another bat in that lineup to make them contend with the royals
Los Calcetines Rojos
With no bite in the game I could see a swap of Quintana for Springer and Moran/ Kemp. Doubt that would happen though following the size of the Miller trade and if the price on Springer is so high Indians have to include Naquin with Carrasco I don’t see a trade happening
Bob M.
Ya Springer and Gomez pretty much fit exactly what the Indians need. Right handed, power, plus defensive cf. But Carrasco has to be the name if Springer is moved.
sportscoach
Hence why I was thinking we throw in Frazier and get a AJ Reed and Guduan back from Houston. Santana can be a free agent after this upcoming season and Johnson the season after. and Aguilar hasn’t shown to be a major league option so getting a legit 1st base and a hard throwing lefty which the depth in Cleveland isn’t all that great could be something that actually goes since both teams should get better long term. With Springer Frazier’s spot on the roster is taken and Zimmer will be in center with Brantley in Left, Springer in right, and guys like Almonte/Naquin off the bench.
stevebartmanmvp
You are clearly smoking the M word
norcalguardiansfan
That is an interesting proposal. Frazier is a top 50 prospect. Reed is a second 50 prospect. Guduan is a throw in. Ends up being Carrasco and Frazier for Springer and Reed.
From the Indians perspective, I wonder if they would be willing to take their chances finding a 1b when Santana leaves just so they can keep Frazier.
I still think I like Carrasco for Springer straight up, but if Houston offered this, it would get the Indians’ attention.
sportscoach
Thing is with Carrasco being signed for this season and the next four to a reasonable contract, his value is way higher than springer. There is no is ands or buts about the value. Carrasco is worth more than Springer
sportscoach
Also meant to say this, Guduan is a lefty who I believe will be a very good bullpen arm. He has issues with command but can hit 100 mph from the left side. That is a rarity in baseball for a lefty to throw that hard. Cleveland would essentially get their future RF, 1B and left handed bullpen arm for SP and a high prospect that is projected to play RF. We may be able to get another decent low prospect from Houston as well. I am not overvaluing Carrasco, the price for him is really high and Cleveland won’t drop it since they don’t need to move him.
Paulo
What about James Paxton, And DJ Peterson for Springer? Not enough how about with Jesus Montero thrown in?
Los Calcetines Rojos
ehh… I’d say no even if that is an attractive package
sportscoach
Houston wants a veteran SP who has a track record and has control. Hence why Carrasco name is getting thrown around to most teams since he is a #2 pitcher that is getting paid like a 4th/5th starter and he is signed long term.
drewr05
Springer is not on the block, that’s a false report…. though, it sure gave me new grey hair…. it won’t happen… dream on folks….
bucsnation
Is a melancon and Polanco for springer trade unreasonable?
sportscoach
Well it kind of fits team wise, but they would want more than just those two to be honest. They want you to overpay for him in a sense
stevebartmanmvp
There is no way Houston would trade Springer a downgrade. He would be packaged for an ACE and an ACE only.
stevebartmanmvp
I came here for the stupid trade offers by Cub fans and fans alike.
baxter322
Giles for Springer?
AvidAstrosFan
Agreed, Houston would only want a prospect on the back end of the deal. They are looks my for elite players that are the playing MLB with a lot of control. That’s the only way they trade a veteran, that also includes Gomez whom will net them a first round comp pick next year.
Naddy
The Astros should keep building through their farm system. Only trade players that won’t extend contracts for reasonable amounts. Gomez and Kazmir did nothing for them last year. Unless they are trading players who haven’t panned out (Singleton) they should keep building their farm system and signing cheap vets.
coldgoldenfalstaff
They have to keep Springer for a few more years until the draftees last year get more advanced minor league time.
If we’re making a Fernandez trade, maybe he could be moved. But I don’t see him moved for anyone who can’t make a real difference on the team.
AvidAstrosFan
The only deal I have heard that would warrant any of our prospects or veterans is the Carlos Carrasco rumor. Unloading prospects for a closer is asinine. Hinch and his pitching coaches need to build a closer. If thats not happening than purchase one through FA. Never give up you chips for relievers…. Miller coming to Houston now after saying no to a bigger paycheck…. Us having to give up good players plus take on the pay…. Um NOOOOO thank you. I say no to Giles also…. We might be able to pull off a multiplayer deal with the Rays though…
RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame
Ross and Renfroe for Springer! Come on AJ!