We didn't have Fiers and McHugh was struggling. LMJ was still in the early going. I think extension talk had merit.
The way the Astros are built, they are going to become a high payroll team fairly soon. Keutchel is negotiating a new contract, and who know what type of dollar figures they are discussing. McHugh is probably due a new contract soo as well. But with him being a better pitcher in the 2nd half, how much will the Astros give him? McCullers, Velasquez, and Appel had long been considered almost future fixtures on the starting roster. And now you add someone like Musgrove to the mix. Who knows if another trade like the Cosart deal is out there for any of these pitchers? And if any of the old guard of aspiring pitching prospects gets traded, there is Martes waiting for his turn. I hear he is expected to dart up the ML baseball prospect list....... Eventually trades of some of the highly touted pitching prospects are imminent for the Astros. And depending on who gets traded will determine if the Astros make a run for Kazmir.
I doubt he gets 4 years, his arm is held together with duct tape. I could see the Yankees looking at him and overpaying him though. Having said that I believe the Astros will be open to resigning him but they will draw a line in the sand when it comes to years and money. I also think they will consider Jeff Samadzjia on a 1 year deal.
Shields got 4 years at $75M. I imagine Kazmir could come close to that. I don't see Samardzija taking a 1 year deal. Somebody will overpay him.
McHugh will basically be paid the minimum next season, and then the Astros will have 3 arbitration years after that, so McHugh has 4 more seasons beyond this year before he becomes a FA. Keuchel will be entering his 1st year of arbitration next season, so he is still 3 years away from being a FA. The team might work out an extension with him, but no way to know.
Fairly certain the team will do an extension with Keuchel either this year or next, depending on what he's amenable to right now. McHugh is much more of an unknown. As you said, next year he's close to the minimum--and I think he'll definitely have at least 1 year of an arb-eligible deal. If he pitches well/consistently/improves over the next 2 years, I could see an early extension. Way too many ifs to consider at this point on that front
The question is will Keuchel do an extension? I'm sure the team is working on one. McHugh seems unlikely to get an extension because he is far less likely to be as effective beyond his club controlled seasons. He'd have to accept a very team-friendly deal for anything to get done.
You don't have to remind me--I've been one of the staunchest McHugh supporters, even during his supposed slumps. But I also know even that isn't good enough to buy out all 3 arb years
the one thing is I actually trust the front office to negotiate smart deals and continue to find cheap guys to contribute (based on moneyball metrics). I think they can build a really smart team..it will be up to Crane to open up his wallet just enough to ensure a winning team. the Astros are poised to be competitive over the next decade. Should be some great competitive baseball to look forward to.
are we going to get a comp. pick for Kaz if he walks? I don't know Kaz personally, but you've gotta wonder if he'd take a hometown discount to stay with Houston. I'm not anti-keeping-Kaz...so long as the price is right.
I'm sure they'll be looking to purchase his arbitration years like they've done with other guys. As far as Kaz goes, I don't see a reason to bring him back. With Keuchel, McHugh, McCullers and Feldman, 1-4 is already solid. VV would easily fill the 5th spot. This leaves a greater ability to spend on the offense and upgrade the pen even further.
Yes, Fiers as well. Solid #1-#5 without dipping into the VV/Appel/etc. pool that may or may not pan out. (and without looking at other FAs)
Forgot about him. If they're ready to go with VV or Appel or other, Feldman would be decent trade bait for a contending team wanting to strengthen the bottom half of it's rotation.
