YANKEES SEND FERGUSON TO ASTROS
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Caleb Ferguson from the New York Yankees for pitcher Kelly Austin and international bonus pool money.
What does it give the Houston Astros
In Ferguson, the Astros bring in a depth left-handed reliever. Houston's bullpen does not have many southpaws, so Ferguson should work in middle relief (and potentially as a setup man), depending on matchups. He notched 10 holds in a similar role with the Yankees this season, despite posting a shaky 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He is a low-risk addition; he fared much better the previous two seasons.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees appear to be comfortable going with a lone left-hander in their bullpen (Tim Hill), and moved Ferguson after also acquiring reliever Mark Leiter Jr. In return, they get bullpen prospect Austin, an undrafted free agent from 2023. He has made the jump to high Single-A in his first season, but still has a ways to go in his development. Houston also sent international signing money in this deal.
Fantasy impact
Ferguson could benefit from this trade, potentially seeing more opportunities for holds. The Astros typically deploy right-handers Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly ahead of closer Josh Hader, but if Ferguson can gain the trust of his new team, he may be in the mix for late-inning work as well. Austin has no fantasy value at this time.
