With every pitch, Roy Oswalt’s time with the Astros comes one step closer to its end.
One of the game’s premier pitchers since 2001, Oswalt is the biggest bargaining chip for an Astros franchise in desperate need of an overhaul. At age 32 and the author of 139 career wins, Oswalt’s name will be linked to trade talks as the season reaches its make-or-break point in July, where contenders (and pretenders) will dial up Astros general manager Ed Wade with possible scenarios to entice Houston to play “Let’s Make a Deal.”
As the season continues to take form, there are at least five teams that would have the right combination (playoff aspirations, quality young prospects and the ability to absorb the remaining $30-plus million of Oswalt’s contract) that would force the Astros to part ways with the second-winningest pitcher in franchise annals.