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The Houston Astros have said that they aren't interested in trading right-hander Bud Norris at this point, but Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe believes he will be one of the most sought-after pitchers before the start of the season or at this summer's trade deadline. Cafardo adds that if the Astros do elect to trade Norris, the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles are two teams to watch.
The Astros have said they're looking forward to entering the season with Norris as a part of their starting rotation. However, Houston didn't indicate it was shopping shortstop Jed Lowrie before he was traded to the Oakland Athletics.
Norris has spent his entire professional career with the Astros after they selected him in the 6th round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2009 and has averaged more than 28 starts per season for Houston since 2010. Last year the 28-year-old maintained a 4.65 ERA with a 2.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts. In four years in the majors the right-hander owns a career ERA of 4.42 with a 2.32 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The Orioles have been tied to Norris in the past, and they have been seeking a veteran starter all offseason. The Cardinals recently lost Chris Carpenter for what is expected to be the entire season, perhaps opening a spot for Norris in their rotation.
