Phillies Trade Pitch Moves Polarizing Pitcher to Astros After Luis Garcia Injury
The Houston Astros are in search of starting pitching help after Luis Garcia suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Garcia has been shut down after experiencing elbow soreness. Because of that, Houston is a bit short on starting pitching depth.
A team and trade partner that the Astros should seek out is the Philadelphia Phillies. After acquiring left-hander Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in the offseason, the Phillies rotation seems to be set. The projected rotation as of Thursday is Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Luzardo, and Christopher Sanchez. While a six-man rotation could always be used, the current odd man out is right-hander Taijuan Walker.
A change of scenery may be needed for Walker, as his 2024 season was one to forget. He finished with a career-high ERA of 7.10 across 19 games pitched. Just once in the last four seasons has Walker posted a sub 3.50 ERA. Houston could reach out to Philadelphia and check on Walker’s availability and see if the Phillies would consider a trade. If so, here is what that deal could look like.
Astros receive: RHP Taijuan Walker Phillies receive: RHP James Hicks (HOU No. 20 prospect) and C/1B Jancel Villarroel (HOU No. 29 prospect) This deal would provide Houston with starting pitching depth in place of Garcia as well as give the Phillies two prospects that they can have come up through their system in the next couple of years. Hicks is just 23 years old and Villarroel is only 20. Neither will be expected to make an impact at the major league level anytime soon.
