Would this trade close the window on Morton returning or the idea of trading for Thor? Gotta think Luhnow wants a window for Whitley, James, C Perez, etc too compete for a spot with McHugh/Peacock as fallbacks Verlander Cole Morton/Thor Eovaldi Whitley/James/C Perez/McHugh, etc
We wouldn’t be trading for Eovaldi (because he’s a Free Agent), so those other possibilities should be wide open. If we do sign Eovaldi, then you for sure have Verlander, Cole and Eovaldi has three of your five starters. I think there’s a pretty good chance that McHugh makes the rotation as well. McHugh could end up being the no.4 if they sign Eovaldi and don’t make any other moves (with someone like Peacock, James or even a prospect like Whitley as the no. 5). Or McHugh could be the no.5 starter if Luhnow makes a splash move for a big name SP. So, IMO, we’re looking at two potential starting rotations (if they sign Eovaldi)... Scenario 1 1. Verlander 2. Cole 3. Eovaldi 4. McHugh 5. Peacock/James/Whitley Scenario 2 1. Verlander 2. Cole 3. Morton (if they re-sigh him) or a big name trade target. 4. Eovaldi 5. McHugh
I wouldn't mind him, but I assumed he would cost a ton after that playoff run. If he can be had for Morton-type money/short-term commitment, I'm in
Seems like he is resigning with Boston. Would have been intriguing, but right now Astros need payroll flexibility to keep their own FA starting next year. Cole, Springer, Correa, Verlander, are cornerstone guys that will be need to be resigned real soon.
Bingo, the guy has had two TJ surgeries so even given his bounce back he’s a bit scary, much like we got out of Morton
For a guy with one good half season, and an extremely long history of being unable to stay healthy? It sure doesn't sound reasonable to me. I honestly thought 2/35, or some other short years big money offer was the best he could get, almost 70 million is crazy given all his red flags.
Eovaldi has only qualified for the ERA title one time. He's got a career ERA over 4. That is a high risk deal.
yeah he's high risk, thus "only" a 60 something mil contract... that's chump change for a decent starting pitcher in today's market, hell he's likely even cheaper than DK and Morton, and look who pitched better in the postseason?
Mike Fiers was better than him last year and has been better over his career - plus he's been far healthier - than Eovaldi. Would you give him that contract? Eovaldi got paid for an amazing postseason by a team that has money to burn. But otherwise, he's been a #4 type starter his whole career. Even Boston felt that way, which is why they kept moving him between #4 starter and bullpen during the playoffs.
For comparison, the Indians just signed Carlos Carrasco - a far superior pitcher - to a 3 year, $36MM extension with the 3rd year being a club option. THAT is a good value deal.
Pitchers change quickly. That said, Eovaldi has had two okay years, an okay half season in 2018, and a great enough half season in 2018 to make his season stats good. Eovaldi slider/cutter is very good.
I'd say this is a desirable players' market. I expect guys like Harper and Machado will still do well if they wait. For the second tier guys, I'm guessing it is going to be like musical chairs. Teams are going to run out of money they are willing to spend, and someone is going to be left standing without a fat free agent contract.
