There was a time when it seemed like the Houston Astros’ eight-year dynasty was on the brink of collapse. They were trailing in both the divisional and wild card standings, their star slugger Kyle Tucker was sidelined with an uncertain return date, and the team just couldn’t find its rhythm.
Then, as the MLB trade deadline approached, General Manager Dana Brown made a bold move that drew heavy criticism. He traded away several of the team’s top prospects, including fan-favorite Joey Loperfido, to acquire veteran starter Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto blues jays.
Kikuchi’s career numbers—766 innings pitched with a 4.67 ERA and a 1.368 WHIP—were far from elite, raising questions about the high price Brown paid. Especially when other seemingly better pitchers were traded for much less at the same deadline.
But Brown seemed to know something others didn’t, as Kikuchi has since posted a 2.70 ERA in 16.2 innings with the Astros. Since his arrival, Houston has gone on a tear, winning nine of their last ten games and taking a four-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West.
Despite slow starts in recent years, Brown has consistently positioned the Astros for late-season success. Every year, they lose what seems to be an irreplaceable piece, only for someone else to step up and keep them in contention. Brown’s midseason moves have repeatedly turned the Astros into World Series contenders.
In 2024, Brown has done it again. And now, he can feel vindicated for his bold decision-making.
