Houston Astros Could Put Starting Pitcher on Trade Block

As the Houston Astros navigate this offseason, they could look to move one of their starting pitchers to open up more financial flexibility.

There's not much to complain about when discussing the Houston Astros.

They've been one of the best teams in baseball for the better part of a decade, making seven straight American League Championship Series and winning two World Series titles.

However, the Astros came up short to their division rival Texas Rangers in the ALCS this past season after their ownership was willing to spend massive amounts of money to build a contending team.

The Rangers don't seem content with that either, as they are seen as a real threat to sign the best player in baseball in free agency.

Houston's ownership on the other hand, has placed a self-imposed salary cap on its front office, limiting the options that they'll have on the open market.

After losing three relievers to free agency, the Astros will need to address their bullpen before the start of the 2024 season. But the limited spending money prevents them from adding any of the top arms available.

So, they could potentially look to move their starter Jose Urquidy to get some financial flexibility and receive some assets in return.

The starting rotation is not where Houston needs to improve, despite reports saying they're looking for an elite-level starter this offseason. They have plenty of young arms and pitchers returning from injury to be in the "inning eater" type of role that Urquidy would have in 2024.

Other teams could view him as a valuable piece for their rotations.

Before his down year in 2023 that was marred with injuries, he didn't record an ERA above 4.00 in his four previous seasons.

In addition to shedding payroll, the Astros are also looking to rebuild their farm system that has been ranked as one of the worst in Major League Baseball.

Urquidy's $3.7 million projected salary in 2024 wouldn't free up a ton of cash to be used, however, it gives them more options when attempting to sign bullpen pieces.

Keep an eye out for the 28-year-old to potentially be moved this offseason.