The Astros tried successfully last season to acquire a left-handed hitter. That remains one of the priorities for the front office as they prepare for next month’s trade deadline, general manager Dana Brown told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The GM also added that the club would be open to adding a right-handed striker to the fold.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported over the weekend that Houston scouted players from Colorado Jake McCarthy again Mickey Moniakboth hit the left side. They’re a clear fit for the Astros given the Rockies’ status as one of the few clear sellers. There’s an argument for Houston to turn around and get a package deal since they could use two new players.
The Astros dropped the scrimmage Jake Meyers on Saturday and they work with the first outdoor field of LaMonte Wade Jr., Taylor Trammell again Cam Smith. They use right-handed batsmen Zach Dezenzo again Brice Matthews like filling in for Wade and Trammell turning left. The remaining two hitters started each season in Triple-A. Wade has played in seven major championships this season; Trammell has a major league average hitting streak of 41 games while striking out a third of his plate appearances. Even Smith is only hitting .224/.301/380 on the season, though his superior right field defense will keep him in the lineup.
For Colorado’s players, McCarthy profiles as a potential underclassman in the middle position. Moniak is a player who comes from the corner of the team but has great potential. Other left-handed batting outfielders that can be found include Lars Nootbaar, Daulton Varsho, Trevor Larnach, Colton Cowser, Jarren Duran, Carlos Cortes again TJ Friedl. The Nationals may be open to a trade Daylen Lee if they can pitch a manageable starting pitcher. For speculation, there might be a game involving a swingman AJ Blubaugh – the Astros have received calls from other clubs.
Trading Blubaugh might argue given their stated need for right-wing relief. Houston’s bullpen has been stable since their acquisition Josh Hader back from injury. It leans heavily to the left side, however. Hader, Bryan King again Steven Okert – arguably the team’s three best shortstops – all southpaws. Bryan Abreu he was supposed to be a right-handed hitter but struggled with his command all season. Another De Los Santos it should be between innings. Blubaugh and the rookie Alimber Santa You don’t have a ton of quality information.
All that said, the Astros may need to consider dealing with a major league roster to make a big impact. Baseball America ranks Houston’s farm system 26th in MLB. Low-A infielder Xavier Neyens is their only top 100 prospect, according to BA. They don’t have the talent of minor leaguers or minor leaguers who haven’t played significant roles other than Matthews.
Houston may also be limited financially depending on whether owner Jim Crane is willing to return to the luxury tax zone. They have a CBT number of about $239MM, courtesy of MLBTR contributor Ethan Hullihen, which puts them $5MM under the base cap. They could free up a few million dollars by trading Abreu or Meyers for salary.
The Astros had enough to worry about Cristian Javier that they didn’t immediately plug him back into the rotation when he came back from a shoulder strain. Maybe they’d be happy to pay half of his $21MM salary this year and offload him – though Javier could return to the top five. Mike Burrows. If they’re looking for cheap bullpen targets ahead of a trade, the odds include Yennier Cano, Huascar Brazoban, John Schreiber, Caleb Kilian, Jimmy Herget, Ryan Zeferjahn again Mark Leiter Jr.
