Four Trades That Push The Astros To A World Series
By Yoni Pollak
Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) walks off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Receive: Jeff Samardzija
Chicago White Sox Receive: Brady Rodgers, Jiovanni Mier, and Brad Peacock
Why The Astros Would Do It
Do they really need Samardzija after trading for Cueto? You may think not, but I think so. With Cueto and Keuchel at the top, the Astros still could use a great #3 option.
Again you may think Lance McCullers Jr. is that guy, but the fact is he probably is not. At least not this year. He’s been dominant this season but you can’t expect for that to continue all the way into the World Series. Couple that with the fact that he’s likely on an innings limit and he will probably be shut down by the time the playoffs roll around. That or he will be in the bullpen.
Samardzija gives the Astros a legitimate #3 option, but he’s a free agent after this season. The hope with him (along with Cueto) would be that a long playoff run in Houston would convince him to re-sign in Houston.
Why The White Sox Would Do It
The White Sox are sellers and risk losing Samardzija for nothing in the offseason. Getting back Rodgers and Peacock gives them potential back-end starters. Mier is a former 1st rounder but may not ever make the majors.
Astros Starting Rotation Post Trade
Johnny Cueto
Dallas Keuchel
Jeff Samardzija
Lance McCullers Jr.
Collin McHugh
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