MLB trade deadline 2022: Will the Houston Astros add a hitter?

By Jake Mintz
FOX Sports activities MLB Author

If the Oakland Athletics did not exist, the Houston Astros would have the most effective document in baseball. However sadly for Houston, the Oakland A’s do exist, at the very least so far as a 38-63 MLB crew exists.

The defending American League champions are inexplicably 6-6 in opposition to the crew at the moment carrying the worst document within the AL. After rising from the All-Star break hotter than a restaurant plate you’re advised to not contact, bopping the Yankees and Mariners for 5 straight wins, Houston was overwhelmed 3 times in a row by the lowly A’s.

However nonetheless, it is a crew destined for October. The Mariners are good and enjoyable, however barring an Astrodome-sized collapse by Houston, they received’t make up a 10-game deficit within the subsequent two months.

MLB Energy Rankings: Astros, Yankees and Dodgers lead Ben’s checklist

Ben Verlander shares his MLB Energy Rankings for Week 16, with the Houston Astros taking the No. 1 spot from the New York Yankees.

So with Tuesday’s deadline quick approaching, let’s check out the place the Astros may stand to enhance and the way they may solidify their roster for a deep October run.

Offense

The present scenario: The highest of Houston’s lineup is as improbable because it has ever been. Yordan Álvarez is among the three finest hitters within the identified universe, Kyle Tucker and José Altuve are each no-doubt All-Stars, Alex Bregman is extra good than elite these days, however he is nonetheless good, and Jeremy Peña has been probably the greatest rookies in baseball.

However past that high core, it has been a tricky scene. Time is lastly beginning to put on down Yuli Gurriel, defensive specialist Martin Maldonado is among the worst common hitters in baseball, and there was a revolving door of mediocrity in heart area. Michael Brantley’s harm points have compelled some part-time gamers into larger roles, leaving a giant void on the backside of Houston’s lineup.

Maldonado is not going wherever and can proceed to get the vast majority of begins behind the plate, however the Stros may stand so as to add yet another bopper or a no-doubt, league-average heart fielder.

The choices: Josh Bell is the large one. The switch-hitting first baseman is likely to be the participant most sure to be dealt earlier than Tuesday’s deadline. He’s a free agent at 12 months’s finish, the Nats are 28 video games again within the division and Bell is in the midst of an outstanding season (.302/.387/.490 with 13 homers and 23 doubles). If Juan Soto doesn’t transfer (and for what it’s value, I don’t assume he’ll), Bell is the most effective bat accessible, and Houston ought to and might be within the combine for him.

Justin Verlander and Babe Ruth headline 5 largest trades of all time

Ben Verlander breaks down the largest trades in MLB historical past, together with Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers, Justin Verlander to the Astros, Randy Johnson to the Mariners, John Smoltz to the Braves and Babe Ruth to the Yankees.

The one huge title traded to this point, Andrew Benintendi, wasn’t an ideal match for Houston; he is completely a nook outfielder at this level in his profession. One other Royal, Michael A. Taylor, is within the midst of a profession offensive 12 months, is an above-average defensive heart fielder and is a free agent after subsequent season. Bryan Reynolds and Ramón Laureano are two different potential matches, however each may need an excessive amount of service time left.

Groups don’t often like integrating a brand new catcher in the midst of a season. It’s tough and time-intensive, and most pitching staffs have been constructing a rapport with their lead backstop since February. Nonetheless, Willson Contreras is among the finest catchers in baseball and is a lock to be traded by Chicago earlier than he hits free company.

Would Houston forgo the connection between Maldonado and his hurlers? Is it value having Contreras DH if it means placing Álvarez within the outfield? All I do know is Houston’s catchers have been the second-worst group of catchers within the league, and Contreras will most positively be traded.

Pitching

The present scenario: Houston has the second-best crew ERA in baseball, behind solely that of the Dodgers. They’ve one elite starter (Justin Verlander), two different excellent ones (Framber Valdez and Christian Javier) and three completely ample, utterly reliable ones (Jake Odorizzi, Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy). Lance McCullers Jr., who has missed the complete season to this point on account of a forearm pressure, simply made a second rehab begin and is anticipated to rejoin the big-league membership within the close to future.

The Astros’ excellent rotation, the upcoming return of McCullers and their notably deep bullpen (go have a look at Ryne Stanek’s numbers) imply GM James Click on seemingly received’t add one other arm on the deadline. However as George Washington as soon as mentioned, “a crew can by no means have an excessive amount of pitching depth,” so who is aware of?

The choices: Did you not learn what I simply wrote? Possibly Contreras will get to pitch an inning in a September blowout or one thing.

Jake Mintz is the louder half of @CespedesBBQ and a baseball author for FOX Sports activities. He’s an Orioles fan residing in New York Metropolis, and thus, he leads a lonely existence most Octobers. If he’s not watching baseball, he’s virtually definitely driving his bike. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @Jake_Mintz.

Get extra from Main League Baseball Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra.