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MLB Trade Deadline: Buyers’ Untouchable Prospects

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws the ball in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws the ball in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Mark Appel plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Mark Appel plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Astros

Needs: Starting pitching, first base/DH

Targets: Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner, Scott Kazmir

The Houston Astros have been one of the most intriguing teams to watch in 2015 . A full year ahead of their scheduled rebirth, the Astros find themselves on the unusual side of being buyers at the trade deadline. The team has cast a wide net for available help in the rotation and has recently begun testing the waters for available bats, preferably of the first base/DH variety. A top of the rotation arm is the first priority and the team has been willing to discuss both short and long-term acquisitions that range from Cole Hamels and Tyson Ross to Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir.

However, that doesn’t mean the team is willing to sacrifice its long-term plan in order for a quick shot at the postseason either.

Houston will listen on many of its top prospects, up to an including the recently promoted Vincent Velasquez, outfielders Domingo Santana and Brett Phillips, and right-hander Michael Feliz. However, the there is at least one player the Astros likely won’t listen on; right-hander Mark Appel.

The team’s number one prospect and first overall pick of the 2013 draft, Appel has the making of a top of the rotation starter in the big leagues. He’s built around a big fastball that ranges from the mid-90’s to a high of 98 MPH. Add in a plus-plus slider and an above-average change-up. While he’s struggled thus far at Triple-A, perhaps being victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL, the Astros still see Appel as a big part of their future rotation, adding to a group that already includes Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, and Collin McHugh.

Given the depth of the Astros system, Houston is still likely to find a deal or two that fit their team needs down the stretch, and with their low payroll (29th in MLB), they are in an enviable position to add salary as part of a deal.

Next: Blue Jays have limited options to trade

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