Houston Astros Trade Deadline Overview

The Astros Have Some Contracts They Could Unload

The likelihood of some of the players set to hit free agency this winter being involved in a trade that is a straight-up deal are relatively slim, meaning that the Astros would have to include some minor league talent or take on some salary to make a trade happen.

With that said, third baseman Luis Valbuena, outfielders Carlos Gomez and Colby Rasmus, catcher Jason Castro and starters Scott Feldman and Doug Fister will all test free agency after the World Series. At most, two of those players–Rasmus and Castro–have a legitimate shot at signing on with the club for 2017. That could make the rest of the players mentioned expendable. Both Feldman and Fister have had their moments and if a contending team faces a significant injury or wants to add some depth, they represent more affordable options.

Gomez is the one player that could potentially bring back a haul, but if he was going to do that he would need to get hot, like now. If Gomez were hot, he’s also the sort of player that could help the Astros with their own playoff aspirations, so unless he is a real virus in the clubhouse he will likely stick around through the end of the season and net the Astros a draft pick.

If you’re a contending team and you’re looking to add Valbuena as your starting third baseman down the stretch, then your playoff chances are likely pretty slim. As a bench option he could have some value, however, especially to an American League team with fewer arms needed in the bullpen which clears up an extra roster spot.

Next: Buyers or Sellers?