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Houston Astros need to get serious about acquiring Zach Britton

By Gabe Henderson

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The Astros have to make the call before other teams do, for both teams’ sake

Despite winning the World Series in 2017 and being the best team in baseball thus far this season, the Astros still have a glaring Achilles heel — bullpen. While the Astros seem to have a grip on a majority of their bullpen, the Ken Giles experience hasn’t exactly been a positive one. Last season, Houston inquired about the availability of Orioles closer Zach Britton. However, Baltimore was unwilling to sell due to the belief the front office could save the team. Now, as they sit at 23-53, the Orioles’ deadline role is becoming apparent — they need to sell and there’s no better suitor than the Astros.

While Houston was unwilling to give up an arm and a leg last season — for obvious reasons — they have a key piece to offer now. Former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel becomes a free agent next season and he’s been incredibly average in Houston this season. Therefore, the Astros may be looking to shop him at the deadline. Obviously, prospects and cash considerations would play a part in this deal, but both teams would benefit from a Keuchel-Britton trade.

For Baltimore, the impact of this trade is instant. Keuchel will make the team better sooner rather than later. Despite having a down year, the 30-year-old has a better ERA than four of the team’s five starters. Letting go of Britton may be a hard pill to swallow, but he isn’t getting any younger, nor is he helping the O’s win any games. Keuchel would bring experience and swagger to the rotation. Not to mention, a change of scenery never hurts. Looking at it in the long run, Keuchel turns 31 before the start of next season. He’s inconsistent and it’s unlikely any team takes a major risk to sign him. Therefore, his chances of re-signing are greater. At his best, Keuchel is also one of the MLB’s top pitchers. Further, dealing Britton to a non-division rival never hurts either as Boston has shown interest.

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On the surface, this deal looks like a massive gamble for the defending World Series champions. Britton is returning from a major injury and Keuchel has been a fan favorite for years. But, moves need to be made if Houston wants to hang another pennant inside Minute Maid Park. Keuchel, despite being the ‘No. 2’, has been a burden this season. So has Ken Giles. Ironically enough, Houston may have a solution to both problems.

Trading Keuchel for Britton would free up a starting spot and fix the closing pitching conundrum. Since last offseason, the Astros have been searching for a trade partner for former starter Collin McHugh, who found his way to the bullpen upon Justin Verlander’s arrival. Unable to find one, McHugh has played a limited role this season. However, the small sample size Houston fans have been treated to has been — for the most part — positive. As a former starter, McHugh could fill the void in the starting rotation for the Astros. In the end, the question is whether or not Houston would trade Keuchel. A Keuchel-Britton deal with the Orioles would surely benefit both parties, but will it happen? Only time — specifically the next month — will tell.

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