Astros predicted to trade No. 2 prospect Jacob Melton for $13 million 163 strikeout starter to increase rotation depth

Astros predicted to trade No. 2 prospect Jacob Melton for $13 million 163 strikeout starter to increase rotation depth originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the expected departure of ace Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros need to find a replacement. While it doesn’t need to be another ace, as they have Hunter Brown, they need someone to be a solid depth starter.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter proposes that if the Astros need a depth starter that’s cost-effective, they should make a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for starter Brady Singer.

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The trade would look like this:

Astros get: RHP Brady Singer

Reds get: OF Jacob Melton

“The Astros are in serious need of starting pitching help behind Hunter Brown, and Singer would slot in nicely as a middle-of-the-rotation option who does not come with a long-term financial commitment,” Reuter wrote.

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This past season, Singer posted a 14-12 record, a 4.03 ERA, 163 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.238 over 169 innings pitched. He would make for a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter and gives some depth for the Astros.

While Melton is the Astros’ No. 2 prospect, he didn’t show much worth in his time in the Majors. If he can land them a solid pitcher like Singer, then it might be worth it. Hopefully, the Astros figure out some direction and start going in it soon.

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