Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers have traded top prospect Mike Olt, C.J. Edwards, Justin Grimm and a player to be named later for Matt Garza of the Chicago Cubs. For the Rangers, this is a steep price for what could end up being a rental player. For the Cubs, however, this deal is fantastic. Chicago has made their already-strong farm system much stronger and could be contending before we know it.
But what does this mean for the Houston Astros?
The Astros should absolutely cash in on their chance to maximize Bud Norris‘ trade value. Norris isn’t an ace by any means, but he certainly makes any team he is on better.
Some believe the Astros shouldn’t trade Norris because they don’t have another no. 1 pitcher to replace him with. News flash — they don’t have a no. 1 pitcher even with Norris on the team. The Astros already have Brad Peacock and Asher Wojciechowski waiting to get their chance at the major league level.
No, those guys aren’t sure things, but they’re certainly looking like it in Triple-A.
When a team is in rebuild mode like the Astros, they need to cash in on as many chances to get high-ceiling prospects. They have that chance if they decide to trade Norris. One thing the Astros have working in their favor is the fact that Norris doesn’t have to be traded this year. His contract is cheap, and it still has two years left on it after this season, which could possibly drive his price up.
With that said, the cards are in GM Jeff Luhnow‘s hands.
With Garza finally off the table, the trade talks surrounding Norris and the Astros are sure to heat up. This Garza trade means a ton to the Astros. This trade sets the table for the year’s pitching market. Whether you believe Garza was the best pitcher on the market (and he is if you’re asking me), the Astros will have someone give up a package somewhat like what the Cubs received.
No, Norris isn’t as talented as Garza, but he is in the midst of a career year and a team will cash in on that. With Norris, a team is not only trading for the here and now, but for the future as well.
