The Houston Astros have been linked to a few of the top starting pitchers on the trade market and in free agency so far this winter.
While they're not going to spend like one of the top contenders, they're still eyeing additions to the rotation. Mike Burrow was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the first big move for the Astros this winter.
But how does that impact their other negotiations? According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Astros are reportedly no longer involved in the trade market for top Miami Marlins righty Edward Cabrera.
Astros trade update on Marlins' Edward Cabrera ends chances of deal
"Marlins will listen on Cabrera," Jackson reports, "but 2 suitors (Houston, Baltimore) are no longer involved, and Marlins don't want to sell short on him."
The Astros, after trading for Burrows from the Pirates as part of a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, no longer seek a trade for a starting pitcher.
Cabrera is a 6'5'' right-hander who would've been a quality addition to the Astros roster. Burrows isn't as good as Cabrera, but he's under control for far longer, as he is under contract beyond 2030.
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On the other hand, Cabrera is only around through the 2028 season. The Astros are getting three more seasons out of Burrows, a significant enough difference for Houston to pivot despite Cabrera being one of the best starters on the trade market.
Just as they are out on Cabrera's trade market, this likely means that the Astros are also going to be out on the trade market for Washington Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore.
The Astros have already made their big splash in Burrow this winter, and while he doesn't carry the same weight and name recognition as the other starters, he's still a quality rotation option for the Astros for years to come.
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