The Houston Astros have had a disappointing start to the season, but still could make a run at the playoffs.
However, one need for Houston is to bolster their rotation. Luis Garcia is injured, while Lance McCullers Jr. hasn’t pitched well, which could push Houston to make a trade for a starter.
Major League Baseball analyst Zachary Howell of ClutchPoints urged the Astros to trade for Toronto Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt.
“Playing with a better offense complementing his pitching could boost his numbers,” Howell wrote. “Add in the fact that Houston’s defense has been better than Toronto’s, and Bassitt could make a big improvement on the Astros.
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“Bassitt is even older than Gray, putting Houston in a similar position on the market,” Howell added. “However, Garcia, Valdez, McCullers Jr., and Brown are all at least five years younger, giving Espada more options moving forward. Making a move for a pitcher like Bassitt is a sign of faith in the team’s current roster, which could be exactly what they need.”
Bassitt is in the final year of his three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays. He would help solidify the Astros’ rotation and help Houston make a push for the playoffs.
However, Toronto is also trying to make a run at the playoffs, so it’s uncertain if the Blue Jays would look to move Bassitt. But if he is on the market, Houston and several other teams would be interested in the star right-hander.
Bassitt is 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 11 starts this season with the Blue Jays. Bassitt is a one-time All-Star and was the AL wins leader in 2023.
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