Tigers Ace Linked to Houston Astros as Possible Trade Destination

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez could be shipped at the trade deadline, and the Houston Astros could be a potential fit. What will it cost to land the coveted lefty?

With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming, scenario stories of probable swaps have flooded the media over the past several weeks -- including the Houston Astros being buyers in a push for back-to-back titles.

The same rings true when it comes to a potential fit for Detroit Tigers southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez, who is having a phenomenal season and has a high probability of being traded this month.

Rodriguez, a 30-year-old left-handed starting pitcher, has been linked to multiple teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and Astros.

So far this season, Rodriguez has a 6-5 record over 14 games (83.2 innings pitched) with a sparkling 2.69 ERA, 88 strikeouts and a 0.97 WHIP.

The best part of potentially landing Rodriguez is that it will probably only cost a couple prospects and likely wouldn't alter Houston's current active roster.

Who could be shipped off in a possible trade scenario?

Some have suggested it could cost a pair of prospects: likely a solid pitcher along with a position player.

Names that ring high on that list include pitchers Colton Gordon and Spencer Arrighetti, infielders Joey Loperfido and Zach Dezenzo, and outfielders Jacob Melton and Ryan Clifford.

If the Astros could swap Gordon (No. 8 prospect) and Dezenzo (No. 29 prospect) for Rodriguez, this is a deal that could very well work out in Houston's favor.

Yes, he’ll likely just be a rental as Rodriguez will most likely opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent seeking a larger deal.

Regardless, this very well could be an under-the-radar trade that pays dividends for the Astros in the hunt for October.

The Houston brass tends to make last-second moves right up until the closing bell, as proven over the past several seasons.

Expect the same this year as well, with the clock quickly ticking towards the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

---

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstros!