Astros trade Dan Straily to Padres for Erik Kratz

The Houston Astros had a delmina. Right-handed pitcher Dan Straily was out of options to the minor leagues and the Astros did not have a spot in their rotation in which to place Straily. The Astros could try to sneak him through waivers, designate him for assignment, or trade him. The Astros took door No. 3. The Astros have traded Straily to the San Diego for catcher Erik Kratz as first reported by the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich and Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Source: Dan Straily heading to Padres in a deal that involves catcher.

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 28, 2016

Can confirm it's Kratz, per sources https://t.co/zzQRyMkdEF

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 29, 2016

The Astros receive a 35-year old catcher that has bounced between the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Kansas City Royals. Kratz signed as a free agent this offseason with the Padres on Nov. 19, 2015.

Last season with the Phillies, Kratz batted batted .192 (5x28) with two doubles and three RBIs between the Royals and Phillies last season.

The 2016 Baseball Prospectus said of Kratz:

"Erik Kratz is just keeping the seat warm at this point, but everything about his intangibles and makeup suggest that he could maybe one day find himself back in a dugout as a coach."

No mention of Kratz offensive or defensive game.

Straily struggled with the Astros, posting a 10-9 record with a 4.77 ERA in 22 starts with Triple A Fresno. He was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four appearances (three starts) in Houston last season. But this still feels like a high price for a player that was a half-step away from being picked up off the street. But I guess it's better then letting Straily walk for nothing.

Especially, when he'll be more then likely dropped for Max Stassi when he returns from the disabled list.