Astros deadline moves poorly graded by insider: 'Could be a disaster'

Did the Houston Astros emerge as losers from the trade deadline?

One prominent analyst thinks so.

On Tuesday night, USA Today's Bob Nightengale released a report declaring the winners and losers from the deadline and labeled the Astros as losers for, in his view, their huge overpay to acquire Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays.

"The Astros aggressively tried to acquire Jack Flaherty but kept balking at their asking price, and instead turned to Blue Jays starter Yusei Kukuchi – which is fine," Nightengale said.

"The trouble is that the prospect package they gave up for Kikuchi ... was enormous. This is a pitcher who has a 4.75 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, and is a free agent in three months. And, oh, by the way, Kikuchi has stunk in his last eight starts, going 0-4 with a 7.75 ERA and 1.57 WHIP."

"Kudos to the Astros for giving themselves a chance for an eighth consecutive ALCS appearance. ... But if they completely miss the postseason, well, this trade could be a disaster."

Houston's general manager Dana Brown has never been afraid to spend, and he's hoping the Astros can cash in on his Kikuchi investment with a deep playoff run.

First, Houston will have to reach the playoffs. The Astros entered Wednesday one game back of the Seattle Mariners in the American League West and three and a half games back for the third and final spot in the Wild Card.

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