This surging arm would make an excellent trade target for the Yankees

This season, the New York Yankees’ Injured List has taken one of its heaviest tolls in years, claiming both Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the year. In addition, the entire pitching staff has been mired in a repetitive cycle of injury and recovery. Realizing this debacle could spell disaster for his postseason-bound team, GM Brian Cashman has made it a priority to shore up his beleaguered rotation at the trade deadline.

Among the many solid names being thrown around on the hot stove, one name that stands out is Chicago White Sox righty Adrian Houser. Normally, a starter that has thrown to ERAs spanning from 4.12 to 5.84 over the past three years wouldn’t be a very appealing target, but this season, Houser has really outdone himself, pitching to a 1.56 ERA. He hasn’t been much of a strikeout pitcher, having fanned just 39 batters in 57.2 innings, but he is thriving off his ability to miss barrels and induce soft contact, only giving two home runs so far this season.

Since joining the White Sox, Houser lowered his arm angle, added velocity to his pair of heaters and started using his curveball more often. His curveball, which had been hit hard in the past, has now developed into a plus pitch with opponents batting .207 against it. 

This year marks the first since 2021 where Houser has pitched to significant success. Houser’s 3.22 ERA that year was his career low, coming in a career-high 142.1 innings pitched. On a one-year deal with the White Sox this season, Houser is one piece that will almost definitely be moved.

There are a couple of red flags, those being his lack of innings pitched for a starter over his career (including this season) as well as his shortage of success in the past; however, the Houser we are seeing this year seems to be a brand-new Houser. And on a salary of $1.375 million this season before entering free agency, he should come relatively cheap both in terms of money and prospect capital. For the Yankees, he could be a valuable but inexpensive righty that separates lefties Max Fried and Carlos Rodon in the rotation.