{"id":55859,"date":"2022-07-24T13:46:01","date_gmt":"2022-07-24T17:46:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=55859"},"modified":"2022-07-24T13:46:01","modified_gmt":"2022-07-24T17:46:01","slug":"astros-trade-deadline-key-positions-to-address","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2022\/07\/24\/astros-trade-deadline-key-positions-to-address\/","title":{"rendered":"Astros Trade Deadline: Key Positions to Address"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Astros trade deadline could see them upgrade offensively.\u00a0The Houston Astros<\/a> are looking for pieces to put them over the top in the playoffs. Despite owning a record just a game and a half back of the best record in the AL entering Sunday, Houston has plenty of room for improvement. Multiple positions will be of focus for Houston. These are potential options that the Astros could target at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

Astros Trade Deadline<\/h2>\n

Bullpen<\/h3>\n

The Astros bullpen has been good, but you can always use another reliever. In today’s game, where bullpens are frequently used, it needs to be as airtight as possible. Houston has a strong trio of Ryne Stanek, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly, but all are righties. They don’t have a trusted left-hander. Acquiring Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> setup man Joe Mantiply could be a key move.<\/p>\n

Mantiply was a first-time All-Star this year and had a career year at age 31<\/a>. In 36 2\/3 innings entering Sunday, the lefty has pitched to a 2.21 ERA. Mantiply has struck out 38 batters and walked just two. By nearly every metric, Mantiply has been one of the best lefty-relievers in baseball. A left-handed reliever should be a priority for the Astros at the trade deadline, and Mantiply fits the bill.<\/p>\n

Center Field<\/h3>\n

Houston has primarily used a trio of players in center this year: Chas McCormick, Jose Siri, and Jake Meyers. The only one of the three with an OPS+ over 100 is McCormick, who has a 106 OPS+. The best option the Astros could target would be Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a>\u00a0if they can pry him away. Reynolds has the rest of this year and three seasons of control left on his contract. The rebuilding Pirates may wish to keep him. However, if the Astros can acquire him, he can be a difference-maker this year and in the future. Reynolds has a .848 career OPS.<\/p>\n

Catcher<\/h3>\n

With the Astros catchers handling the pitching staff, they may stick with their group. Martin Maldonado has heated up offensively, and Korey Lee has been effective in eight games since being called up in the wake of Jason Castro’s injury. The only real difference-maker on the market is Willson Contreras; other than him, the catching market is pretty weak. Houston could trade for an experienced backup such as Yan Gomes or Kurt Suzuki, but there aren’t many quality options.<\/p>\n

First Base<\/h3>\n

First base is an interesting dilemma for the Astros. Yuli Gurriel is not having a great year so far for Houston, but he has a strong track record. Do they trust the track record or make a move? If they make a move, they have a couple of options. The first is someone they have expressed interest in already, according to Andy Martino, Washington Nationals<\/a> slugger Josh Bell. The switch-hitter hits well from both sides of the plate and has a .879 OPS with 37 extra-base hits. Bell is one of the best bats on the market, and the first base has been an offensive weak spot for Houston thus far.<\/p>\n

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Mets would like Josh Bell, while another league source says Astros pursuing him. https:\/\/t.co\/APMZgNmljl<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 22, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n