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Houston Astros: Should Andrew Cashner Be An Option?

By Yoni Pollak

May 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Over the next few days, we here at House of Houston will look at different potential acquisitions for the Astros as they get ready for Monday’s MLB trade deadline

The Houston Astros and San Diego Padres have been linked together for what feels like a few seasons.

The reason why? Starting pitching. The Padres being the ones with the starting pitchers and the Astros being the ones looking for them.

Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and other starters have been mentioned as Astros targets for a few seasons now, however only one of them seems like a trade candidate right now, that being Cashner.

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Astros appear to be content to let the rest of the league pass them by this offseason
Astros appear to be content to let the rest of the league pass them by this offseason /

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    • A former first round pick in 2008, Cashner has struggled this season to the tune of a 4.79 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 73 1/3 innings pitched. It’s the second season in a row where Cashner’s play has fallen off.

    In 2013, the Cashner finished the season with a 3.09 ERA. A season later, Cashner had a 2.55 ERA. It was during those deadlines where the Padres could have received a plethora of prospects for a then young starting pitcher with a few years of control left.

    Now, however, the 29-year old Cashner has struggled for a season and a half and will be a free agent after this season, thus limiting his value.

    The Padres are in sell mode after disappointing the last 18 months. James Shields was traded earlier this season and Melvin Upton Jr. earlier today. Cashner appears likely to be the next one to go and it may be sooner rather than later.

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    The Astros have again been recently linked to Cashner but it’s unclear why. There’s no reason for GM Jeff Luhnow to send over a prospect for a pitcher who hasn’t pitched well in over a year and a half. The Astros have already received similar, albeit not good, production from Mike Fiers and others. It’s unlikely Cashner would be much better, if at all better, than what we already have.

    If you ask me, the Astros shouldn’t look to improve their backend of the rotation via trade. If they want to make a move for a backend starter they can just call up Joe Musgrove or Brady Rodgers. They can also move Scott Feldman or Chris Devenski from the bullpen to the rotation. All four options are likely better than Fiers and would be better than Cashner.

    To me, trading for Cashner makes no sense. He’s not worth any prospect and won’t help this team this season.

    Next: How To Deal With The Logjam

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