Houston Astros GM Dana Brown expressed confidence in the team’s recent moves leading up to the trade deadline, securing veteran players like Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson. These acquisitions not only addressed crucial team needs but also positioned the Astros for a formidable postseason run.
Brown highlighted the improved rotation and bullpen strength, emphasizing the impact of these strategic moves. Following the trade that brought Kikuchi from the Blue Jays for young talent, the Astros further bolstered their roster by acquiring Ferguson from the Yankees in exchange for Minor League pitcher Kelly Austin and $ 750,000 in international bonus funds.
TRADE DETAILS
Houston receives: LHP Caleb Ferguson
Toronto receives: RHP Kelly Austin, $750,000 international bonus money.
Ferguson, aged 28, posted a 5.13 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 33 innings this season while with the Yankees, recording 41 strikeouts and 15 walks. In the previous season with the Dodgers, he maintained a 3.43 ERA over 60 1/3 innings. In 2024, left-handed batters have struggled against him, holding a .639 OPS and a .196 batting average.
Known for his 94 mph fastball along with a mix of a cutter, slurve, and sinker, Ferguson demonstrates a 26.5% strikeout rate, placing him in the top 77% of this statistic in baseball. The pitcher is anticipated to join the Astros on Wednesday.
