The Houston Astros have now lost their number three prospect who has made several major league starts as a bargaining chip in any deal for another starting pitcher. The team is left with little wiggle room when negotiating a package as it can’t mix and match as well as it could have prior to this suspension.
Here’s a recent example of how this affects the Astros leverage when negotiating a trade. Astros fans will recall when the team traded for Ken Giles. Initially number four prospect Derek Fisher was in the trade package going to the Philadelphia Phillies.