Melton and Brito are both pretty high ceiling prospects. There’s an argument that they were Houston’s top 2 prospects overall (I wouldn’t say that, but they are both easily in the top 8). If this trade had happened 3 months ago it would look a lot better for Houston; Brito raised his stock a lot in the AFL. Overall I am good with the trade. Prices are high, and the Astros have earned the benefit of the doubt when acquiring pitchers. But they definitely still need to add a legit #2 SP.
He has good stuff. Excellent movement on his changeup and good velo on his FB. He got barreled up quite a bit this season. He has performed like a low end #3 so far and projects as more of a high end #5 or low end #4. But Houston has a track record that should serve as a source of optimism. It shouldn’t shock anyone if he becomes a solid MoR SP.
seem like a haul for someone who is somewhere between SP3-5. I guess we said no way on Ulloa hence the price. I would’ve loved to nab Lowe.
https://www.mlb.com/news/brandon-lowe-trade-to-pirates-from-rays?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share Burrows has been one of the Pirates’ top pitching prospects for several years and had a solid rookie season in 2025, going 2-4 with a 3.94 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 96 innings. A Tommy John procedure in ‘23 pushed back his debut to the very end of ‘24, but he flashed the stuff -- especially his changeup -- that made him a coveted trade chip.
Tampa must highly value Brito and Melton. No clue what the Pirates are thinking. Going forward, the player who is most likely going to get the most WAR before the FA maybe Burrows. In that case, the Astros may have got the most WAR-ful player from the trade and thus win the trade.
Ditto. I’d be surprised if Melton turns into anything and Brito is still years away. Burrows is relatively young and ready right now. Solid trade.
