Astros have “strong interest” in Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak again Jake McCarthyaccording to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. In the most notable news of the trade deadline, Nightengale writes that the Astros “plan to be in the country. Tarik Skubal again Sonny Gray sweepstakes.”
Although Houston is still only 44-47, that record has fallen back to a lousy 17-28 mark in the team’s first 45 games and a very strong 27-19 mark since mid-May. The crowded nature of the AL standings means the Astros are just 2.5 games back of the Mariners for first place in the AL West and two games out of a wild card spot. Even as late as June 12, the Astros still had their eyes on being a deadline buyer, with GM Dana Brown saying the club was looking to strengthen its outfield and bullpen.
The rotation wasn’t a priority, as Brown said the benefits are coming Hunter Brown again Cristian Javier in the injured list will help the beginning of the depth. Javier was just activated a few days ago and moved into a relief role, as on paper, the Astros have plenty of rotation with Brown, Tatsuya Imai, Spencer Arrighetti, Peter Lambertagain Mike Burrows everything is healthy.
Of course, there are enough question marks in that group that the Astros could easily justify adding another starter, especially a front-line upgrade like Skubal or Gray. It makes sense that the Astros would at least get this duo in with any other available starters, due to due diligence if nothing else.
If the Tigers decide to move Skubal, it will take a lot for the Astros to win over other suitors, and Houston doesn’t have a deep farm system. Gray is also a popular trade figure, but since Gray has a no-trade clause, he has more leverage than the Red Sox themselves in finding an acceptable deal. Gray said he would be open to waiving his clause in the right situation, but it’s unclear whether he would approve a trade in Houston.
There are few obstacles to a deal for Moniak or McCarthy, aside from the fact that plenty of other cap-hungry teams besides the Astros will call the Rockies about a potential trade. Moniak is hitting .282/.333/.612 with 15 home runs in 204 plate appearances this season, as the former first-round pick continued his recent breakout in his second year with Colorado. McCarthy is also enjoying a resurgence in Denver, as the former Diamondbacks slugger is hitting .307/.344/.518 with nine home runs over 273 PA since being traded from Arizona to Colorado back in January.
As with all Rockies players, the Coors Field effect should be considered. McCarthy is hitting better at home (.941 OPS) than on the road (.767 OPS) but his road numbers are still respectable. The left-handed hitting McCarthy also hits better against left-handed pitchers than right-handed pitchers, leading to a job split. Moniak, on the other hand, was dominant at home and against right-handed pitchers, but dismal on the road (.689 OPS) and against southpaws (.575 OPS).
McCarthy is less than a year older than Moniak, but McCarthy has arbitration control until 2028, while Moniak only has control until 2027. McCarthy is faster and the better defender of the two, although McCarthy is a center fielder at all three outfield positions. Looking at Statcast’s metrics, neither player has walked more and McCarthy has gotten more contact than Moniak, but Moniak’s contact has been more dangerous for opposing batters.
Still, mistakes, Moniak or McCarthy could still represent a solid improvement over the Astros’ current mix. Everyday right fielder Cam Smith only has a wRC+ of 88, and the other outfield positions have been a revolving door to some extent, especially now that regular center fielder. Jake Meyers was optioned to Triple-A. Taylor Trammell again Brice Matthews they are slated to handle center field duties for a team with Meyers out of the picture, too LaMonte Wade Jr. again Zach Dezenzo figure so that the platoon in the left field and. Jordan Alvarez will get an odd start in left field but Houston wants to keep the star as a regular DH.
Another wrinkle to consider in a possible Astros/Rockies trade is that Colorado is one of the few teams in clear trader mode right now. While the Rockies may prefer to wait until closer to the deadline to start moving trade chips, there’s nothing stopping the club from swinging some deals now, if a contender has a need that needs to be addressed immediately. The Astros may have to give up more in trades to get Moniak and/or McCarthy now, but improving the frontcourt situation also improves Houston’s chances for the long stretch of the season.
