MLB: Winners and Losers from Aroldis Chapman trade

LOSERS: Houston Astros

The Houston Astros come out of this trade as losers because Aroldis Chapman is yet another bullpen option that the Astros have lost out on. They were extremely close to getting Aroldis Chapman at the trade deadline. Not finishing the deal could wind up hurting them quite a bit if the Astros don’t find a way to improve their bullpen.

The Astros still have options. They were allegedly interested in Andrew Miller before he signed with the Yankees. The Astros could easily trade for him. They have the payroll flexibility to pull of the trade and they certainly have the enticing prospects and young pitching necessary to tempt the Yankees.

The Astros could also trade for Zach Britton. The Orioles likely want MLB talent for Britton rather than prospects since they are trying to fill a variety of holes. The Astros would have to get a bit creative in order to trade for Britton, but the Astros are smart enough to come up with a way.

The Astros could always just wait until the trade deadline to upgrade their bullpen at a far more reasonable price. There will be valuable bullpen arms available come July and the Astros wouldn’t have to pay out of their nose in order to get one. However, will any of the available arms be any better than Aroldis Chapman, Zach Britton, or Andrew Miller? That remains to be seen.

Next: WINNER: New York Yankees