3 potential trade targets for the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros‘ focus is beyond the AL West at this point.
It is almost a given that they will win the division. The Astros held a ten game lead in the AL West heading into Tuesday night and are the only team in their division over .500. At this point, the Astros just need to stay healthy and find upgrades for the roster.
Three trade targets for Houston Astros
That does not mean that the Astros just need to tinker around the edges. There are several holes on the roster that could become a problem in the postseason. Injuries can also be a factor, and have in different areas on the roster.
The Houston Astros are in great shape to reach the postseason but need some help. Let’s take a look at three potential trade targets.
Brandon Drury
The Houston Astros have already moved on from one disappointing utility man when they brought Mauricio Dubon in from the Giants and shipped Niko Goodrum to the minors. They may need to do the same with a long time piece as well.
Aledmys Diaz has been a solid utility man for the Astros since he was acquired from the Blue Jays. However, he has been a disappointment this season, posting a 63 OPS+ with just three homers and a double in his 129 plate appearances. The Astros are going to need more from their utility men.
One possible option would be Brandon Drury. He is in the midst of a career year with the Reds, producing a 123 OPS+ with 14 homers and 11 doubles in his 235 plate appearances. While he has been Cincinnati’s primary third baseman this year, he has spent time at second and has experience at first and both corner outfield positions as well.
Drury may not be cheap. There are going to be plenty of teams after his services. However, for a team such as the Astros that relies so much on their depth, he could be someone that makes a difference between reaching the postseason and having a viable chance at bringing another championship to Houston.
The Houston Astros need to address their bench. Adding Brandon Drury would give them the utility option they need.
Willson Contreras
The Houston Astros have gotten virtually nothing from their catchers this season. Having that type of a gaping hole in their lineup could be a problem come October.
Entering Tuesday, Martin Maldonado and Jason Castro have combined for a .140/.222/.248 batting line with five homers and eight doubles. Castro has been utterly putrid at the dish, posting a Bill Bergen-esque 5 OPS+ thus far. The Astros have to address the catcher position before the deadline.
Willson Contreras is clearly the biggest prize behind the plate. His 156 OPS+ with 12 homers and 13 doubles in 247 plate appearances dwarfs the “production” that Houston has received from their backstops this season. That would certainly fill that hole behind the plate in the lineup.
Contreras would also be an upgrade defensively. The Astros catchers have combined to cost Houston six runs behind the plate. Meanwhile, Contreras has saved two runs this season. Even if he does not have the greatest of defensive reputations, he would certainly be an improvement.
Willson Contreras is going to be in high demand at the trade deadline. He is the type of player that the Houston Astros need to empty the farm for.
Andrew Chafin
The Houston Astros have had two left handed relievers in their bullpen this season. Both are on the Injured List.
The lack of a left handed option in the relief corps has not been a problem for the Astros yet. However, once they reach the postseason, having someone that can not only give lefty batters a difficult look, but get them out without issue, will be vital.
Andrew Chafin would be the perfect solution. He has had another strong year out of the bullpen, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.145 WHiP over his 18.1 innings, striking out 24 batters with four walks. Chafin has been dominant against lefties, holding them to a .188/.278/.250 batting line in 37 plate appearances.
There is another bonus with Chafin – he is used to being dealt at the trade deadline. He has been on the move in each of the previous two years at the trade deadline, becoming an important part of those bullpens. That would be the case in Houston as well as he would step into a key role as their primary left handed reliever.
Lacking a left handed reliever has not hurt the Houston Astros yet. Andrew Chafin would be the perfect option to fill out the bullpen.