Astros Rumors: Carlos Lee, Brett Myers

Houston Astros first baseman Carlos Lee could return from the disabled list in time to generate attention at the trade deadline, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that Brett Myers’ vesting option based on games finished could impact his trade value this summer.

The Astros would likely be more than welcome to the idea of trading Carlos Lee this summer. Lee is 35 years old, in the final year of his contract, and doesn’t figure into Houston’s future plans.

However, it was looking like it would be a challenge for the Astros to trade Lee even before the veteran landed on the DL. Lee is owed $18.5 million this season, hasn’t performed especially well thus far (.759 OPS), and has the ability to block trades to 14 teams:

Lee, now in the final year of that deal, maintains the right to block deals to 14 teams. Almost all of the clubs on his list are high-revenue clubs that possibly could afford his $18.5 million salary, according to a source with knowledge of the details. Among the teams Lee can veto: The Dodgers, who could possibly be interested in him at first base.

Despite these hurdles, Rosenthal believes a Lee trade could still be pulled off as the veteran is reportedly open to the idea of approving a deal.

Brett Myers’ $10 million option for 2013 will vest if he finishes a certain amount of games. Rosenthal believes this could impact the right-hander’s trade value this summer.

While the Astros haven’t revealed the exact number, Rosenthal estimates that Myers will have to finish roughly 40 to 50 games for his option to vest. The 31-year-old is currently on pace to finish 57 games.

This may not be an option if a team acquires Myers as a setup man this summer. However, if he is brought in to be a club’s closer they may have to rework his contract as the Milwaukee Brewers did with Francisco Rodriguez last summer.

Myers, who’s maintained an ERA and WHIP of 1.86 and 0.828 with 13 saves this season, will receive $500,000 each time he is traded and a $3 million buyout if his 2013 option is not exercised.