BTW...the Twins were rumored to have "been in on" Yusai Kikucki. Kikuchi went to Houston, and many here claimed Houston got "fleeced." "Massive overpay."
On July 30th, the day of the trade, Houston lost, with a record of 55-52. 1 game behind Seattle in the ALW.
Today Houston is 83-70. In first place in the ALW.
Kikuchi is 5-0, with a 3.00 ERA. Houston is 9-0 in games started by Kikuchi. Kikuchi has pitched into at least the 6th inning in every one of those 9 starts.
I wonder if anyone in Houston regrets the price they paid.