The Houston Astros are now at the forefront of just about every trade rumor for an arm that you can think of and they’re linked to one of the top left-handed pitchers in the majors.
Can you guess who that isHouston Astrosfans? No, it’s notTony Watsonbut a guy that has been doing even better with the stuff he has been throwing. Yep, it’s the Detroit Tigers relief pitcherJustin Wilson. The Houston Astros have had interest in him for quite some time and know it’s apparent that things are starting to rekindle once again.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported earlier todaythat the Washington Nationals are the front-runner for his services but mentions the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Astros as suitors as well. Jon Heyman reported that the Tampa Bay Raysare checking in on him as well, Per Jon Morosi, theMilwaukee Brewers are wanting in on a deal.
That’s already six teams — not including the others not named — that have some level of intrigue with the brawny hurler. I wrote about this particular topic back in the winter and the same thing rings true— his stock still remains high. At the time, I was puzzled as to why they’d be drooling over him considering we hadTony Sippunder contract. But as Sipp continues to struggle through this season, the choice and the reason are clear that we need another dominant lefty in the bullpen.
I honestly think that we don’t have to trade for a front-line starter as our guys are all back but a reliever would do the trick to make our remarkable bullpen even more whole. I think Wilson is that guy. While he doesn’t throw a lot of curveballs, it’s his near triple-digit four-seamfastball, 92 mph cutter and 86 mph slider that does the most damage to the batters he faces. That my friends is enough for me.
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How much will he cost?Wilson will make $2.7 million this season and has one year of control left before becoming a free agent in 2019. That’s quite a bargain for any team trying to get their grubby hands on him and that’s why there’s so much buzz about this guy. Despite a low payroll cost, the asking price to pry him away will be high.
Who do we give up for him?You know the Tigers are going to wantKyle Tucker,Derek Fisherand possibly evenFrancis Martes. I’d play hardball and offerTeoscar Hernandez,Franklin PerezandDaz Cameron. But only two of those guys. I cringe when I have to include Daz in any of our trade talks but sometimes that’s what prospects are for because not everybody can play for the Houston Astros.
Apparently the Tigers want the Nats prospectsinVictor Robles,Juan SotoorErick Feddepackaged in deal if they were get Wilson. That’s a lot to give up and the Astros are going to have seriously offer something they don’t want to give up to get the needle moving. Otherwise, they’ll be on the outside looking in. We’ll have to see.
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Wilson, 29, has posted a 2.75 ERA, tossed 50 strikeouts, earned 10 saves with a stellar 2.97 FIP and an excellent 0.944 WHIP through 36.0 Innings pitched for the Tigers in 2017.
Go Astros.
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