The Houston Astros are in the hunt for starting pitching as the trade deadline approaches, and the San Diego Union-Tribune‘s Dennis Lin reports the AL West contenders could target Tyson Ross if they strike out on a bigger name.
Continue for updates.
No Ross Trade Imminent Between Astros, Padres
Friday, July 17
In addition to no deal being close to complete, Lin reported that “one source said the two sides had not spoken on the subject since early this month.”
Lin also noted that a trade for Ross may not be worth it for the Astros, since the 28-year-old hurler is signed to a team-friendly deal that pays out $5.2 million this year before he’s slated to enter into arbitration over the offseason, according to Spotrac.
“Ross, in particular, might be unattainable for a team hesitant to surrender top prospects,” Lin wrote. “The 2014 All-Star has begun to recapture some of last year’s form, going 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA over his last five starts. What’s more, the 28-year-old has two full seasons left before he’ll be eligible for free agency.”
Per Lin, the Texas Rangers are also interested in Ross and consider him “a potential top-10 arm.”
While Ross’ raw numbers aren’t particularly impressive this year, he’s coming off a 13-win season that saw him post a 2.81 ERA.
During the 2015 campaign, Ross has recorded a respectable 3.34 ERA while going 6-7 with 118 strikeouts and a 1.40 WHIP.
But as Lin mentioned, Ross has been much steadier of late.
After going a combined 2-5 over the first two months of the season, Ross has rebounded and gone 4-2 since the start of June. Ross’ 1.84 ERA through three starts in July only stands to bolster his trade value as contenders seek to acquire cost-effective arms at the deadline.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com