The Houston Astros currently have a 4 1/2 game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West with a 45-33 record. That’s the third-best mark in the Junior Circuit.
However, they have dealt with various injuries this year that have directly impacted their starting rotation.
Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, J.P. France, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr. and Hayden Wesneski are all on the injured list.
Right-hander Erick Fedde was listed as one of the top 50 trade candidates by ESPN writers Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel. The Astros were among possible fits listed.
“Fedde’s strikeout and walk numbers have regressed from his breakout 2024 season (after coming back from a stint in the KBO League), but he’s allowing less damage on batted balls to keep himself in the rotation.”
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Fedde went 9-9 in 31 starts last year with the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. This year, he hasn’t been quite the same pitcher, but has still been effective.
The right-hander is 3-6 with a 3.54 ERA. He can eat innings and plug a hole for a contending team in need of an arm. Houston certainly needs a starter.
The only question will be whether or not Houston has enough prospects to get a deal done, but they should at the very least be considering trading for a starter.
Fedde fits the bill of what they’re looking for. He gives a team innings and takes the ball every fifth day, able to keep a team in a game.
He has been solid this season in St. Louis and is on an expiring contract, so he could very easily end up being a trade chip if the Cardinals sell.
It will be interesting to see what Houston decides to do.
More MLB: Astros predicted to target projected All-Star starter in trade market
