Ranking teams that should convince Madison Bumgarner to waive his no-trade clause

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: San Francisco Giants Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) looks on during a MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 2, 2019 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 25: Robinson Chirinos #28 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Gerrit Cole #45 in the second inning during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

5. Houston Astros

Some might argue that adding Bumgarner to a rotation that already features Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole would be downright unfair to the rest of MLB. Undoubtedly it’s a move that would interest the Astros’ front office, but their position in the AL West lowers the chances of them making a big offer to acquire MadBum.

Instead of making a big move for a veteran ace, the Astros should be looking to make smaller moves to strengthen their club. Adding another starting pitcher to stabilize the back end of the rotation should be a consideration, but they really don’t need a high-priced ace.

Houston’s front office could also elect to find some younger pieces to fortify their staring lineup as well. Robinson Chirinos and Yuli Gurriel are both playing good baseball, but each starter is also 35 years old. It would be a progressive move by the Astros to find their eventual replacements in a subtle deal before the deadline.

The simple truth is that the Astros already have a strong enough team to win another World Series. Their motivation to acquire Bumgarner is lessened as a result. They’ll stay involved to make sure no one can acquire him on the cheap, but it’s hard to imagine them winning the race for Bumgarner.

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