The Astros have acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Yankees in a trade that sends minor league pitcher Kelly Austin and $750K in international signing bonus space to New York, according to a Yankees announcement.
Ferguson, who joined the Yankees from the Dodgers this offseason, has struggled this season with a 5.13 ERA over 42 appearances. His issues include a low strand rate of 62.2% for baserunners and a high walk rate of 10.3%, along with some susceptibility to home runs. Despite these challenges, Ferguson still has a decent strikeout rate, with 26.5% of batters struck out and an 11.5% swinging strike rate. However, his fastball velocity has dipped to an average of 93.7 MPH, compared to the 95-96 MPH range in the previous two seasons.
Previously, Ferguson posted a 3.43 ERA over parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, matching that ERA in 60 1/3 innings last season. He has not shown a significant platoon split in his career, making him less suited as a situational specialist but still a reliable middle reliever.
For the Astros, this move bolsters a bullpen that has lacked left-handed depth, despite signing Josh Hader to a five-year contract last winter. Besides Hader, only rookies Bryan King and Parker Mushinski have been used as left-handed options in relief. The Yankees also have a shortage of left-handed relievers, with Tim Hill being the only current option. They may seek additional trades, potentially targeting top rental lefty Tanner Scott or other relievers like Tanner Banks or former Yankee Justin Wilson.
Ferguson is earning $2.4 million in his final arbitration year, with approximately $800K remaining for the season. The Yankees save around $2 million in salary and luxury tax by trading him, while the Astros, in the second luxury tax bracket, incur an additional tax of about $250K. Ferguson will become a free agent next offseason.
Kelly Austin, a 23-year-old former undrafted free agent from UCLA, has excelled in the low minors this season, recording a 2.21 ERA over 36 2/3 innings with a 31% strikeout rate and a low 4.7% walk rate.
