Houston Astros starting pitcher Forrest Whitley is a former top prospect who has fallen upon hard times. Whitley has struggled with injuries over the course of his brief MLB career, and was DFA'd by Houston just a few days ago. Whitley had an ERA over 12 in five games started for the Astros this season. That won't cut it for a team trying to claw its way back into contention. Rather than hold onto Whitley due to his potential, the Astros opted instead to trade him to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Whitley was DFA'd just a few days ago, and Astros manager Joe Espada spoke to how tough of a decision that was:
“Very difficult decision based on how hard he’s worked to get to the big leagues, the battle through injuries, but this is the part of the business that we’ve got to make tough decisions, and that was a tough one,” Espada said.
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Why did the Astros deal Forrest Whitley?
Houston traded Whitley in part because they are contending. Whitley may have potential on another roster, but the Astros have enough pitching depth as is. Giving starts and appearances away to a pitcher who is only hurting their chances is...less than ideal. The Rays have open spots on their 40-man roster, and can work with Whitley to help him regain his old form. It wouldn't be the first time Tampa has taken on another team's leftovers and turned their career around.
Look no further than the Chris Archer trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2018. The Rays acquired the likes of Tyler Glasnow and Shane Baz for Archer, who flopped in Pittsburgh. Tampa Bay helped revamp both of the prospects they received in return, with Glasnow turning into an All-Star caliber pitcher. Baz remains in Tampa, and at 25 years old is still young enough to turn his brief Rays career around.
MLB trade grades: Who won the deal, Astros or Rays?
The Astros will be lucky to receive anything of substance, as Whitley was already designated for assignment. Because Whitley was due to be available to just about any MLB team if the Rays didn't step in, Tampa got him for cheap.
The Rays, whether it be thanks to cash or a PTBNL, received a former first-round pick they see something in. Whitley may not be the player the Astros thought he could be, but the Rays know how to rehabilitate pitchers. I won't be against Tampa as it pertains to young pitchers until they flop.