“The Astros paid a steep price” - MLB analyst discusses Yusei Kikuchi trade and Padres acquiring Tanner Scott in an aggressive move

The Huston Astros acquired Japanese left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays last week. The Astros, who traded three players for Kikuchi, are being scrutinized for what many see as an overpayment for the deal.

This was highlighted by Ken Rosenthal as he broke down multiple trade deadline exchanges on "Foul Territory."

"Certainly, the Astros paid a steep price and in the perception of many overpaid for a rental with an ERA of 4.75," said Ken Rosenthal

This sentiment reflects widespread concern about the Astros’ willingness to part with their valuable asset for a player whose performance has been inconsistent.

"The Dodgers' farm system is much stronger than the Astros' farm system," Rosenthal said. "So, if you get three of the better prospects from the Astros system versus two from the Dodgers, for example, the Dodgers' two might be better than the Astros' three, even if they're not ranked as highly within their system.”

He also provided an interesting perspective on the value of prospects in trades, particularly when comparing farm systems. While the Astros might have given up quantity, the quality of the players might not match what other teams could have offered.

"The Padres did what the Padres do," Rosenthal said.

The Padres' deal for Tanner Scott was a move that marked the team as one building a roster that can compete in the postseason. The Padres have a reputation for making bold moves, and acquiring Scott is no exception.

It was an incredibly busy trade deadline for most top teams in a bid to prepare themselves for a chance at the playoffs. Houston’s move for Yusei Kikuchi and San Diego’s pickup of Scott have shown how competitive Major League Baseball is.

Astros Acquire Yusei Kikuchi in major trade, Blue Jays secure Bloss, Loperfido, Wagner

Yusei Kikuchi was dealt to the Houston Astros from the Toronto Blue Jays before the trade deadline. He was exchanged for right-hander Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido as well as infield prospect Will Wagner.

Despite Kikuchi's recent struggles, the Astros are banking on his potential to strengthen their pitching staff for the playoff push.

The Blue Jays received a promising package in return.

Jake Bloss, a right-handed pitcher, leads the haul. Bloss, who started the season in High-A and rapidly ascended through the minors, posted a 1.64 ERA with 63 strikeouts over 66 innings before earning a big league promotion.

Outfielder Joey Loperfido, formerly Houston’s No. 6 prospect, has shown power in Triple-A with 13 home runs and a .933 OPS over 39 games. Infielder Will Wagner, son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, has excelled in Triple-A with a .424 on-base percentage and could provide valuable depth.