When it comes to trading starting pitcher Scott Feldman, the Chicago Cubs did it right. They signed him to a one-year, “show me” deal before the 2013 season. Once he had re-established his value, they flipped him to the Baltimore Orioles mid-season for a nice trade package.
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The Houston Astros signed Feldman to a $30 million contract this past off-season when he hit the free agent market. Now they are reportedly exploring the option of trading Feldman with the Thursday non-waiver deadline approaching.
They aren’t doing it right.
Jon Heyman of CBS reports that Feldman is available, but finding a deal for him will be difficult.
"The Astros are offering veteran right-hander Scott Feldman around, but his contract may make that a tough deal.Feldman was signed to a $30 million, three-year contract last winter."
It also doesn’t help that Feldman’s results have been so-so this season. Through 19 starts he has logged 108.2 innings, put up a 4.39 ERA and a 4.55 FIP. For a guy who relies so heavily on pitching to contact and getting ground ball outs, Feldman is always a risk to have his numbers balloon the wrong direction from time to time.
The Astros started to get more aggressive in adding more veteran players this past off-season, including Feldman and Dexter Fowler in a trade. That seemed to indicate that they were not so far away from being serious about contending, but any number of setbacks have since taken place. It is unsurprising in that context that Feldman is now available.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumblings from the baseball hot stove this trade season as Thursday’s deadline approaches.