The Houston Astros are seeking to bolster their outfield offense and may turn to the trade market to find an affordable solution. One intriguing target could be Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Bryan De La Cruz. After being acquired by the Pirates at last year’s trade deadline, De La Cruz experienced a notable drop in performance, making him a candidate for a potential move this offseason. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report has identified him as Pittsburgh’s most likely trade piece this winter.
This situation opens the door for the Astros to acquire De La Cruz at a relatively low cost, potentially by trading prospects such as Zach Cole and Jackson Nezuh. De La Cruz’s 2024 season ended on a disappointing note, as he posted a .200/.220/.294 slash line over the final 44 games. While these numbers may raise concerns, his performance earlier in the season paints a different picture. Before his trade from the Miami Marlins, he had a respectable .245/.289/.417 slash line, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 51 runs across 105 games. At that point, De La Cruz was considered an emerging All-Star candidate with the potential to hit 30-plus home runs.
At 27 years old, De La Cruz still has untapped potential, and the Astros may see an opportunity to revitalize his career. If Houston can help him regain his earlier form, they could secure a valuable offensive contributor at a bargain. The Astros need a significant upgrade in their outfield lineup, as relying on players like Jake Meyers, Mauricio Dubón, and Chas McCormick alongside Kyle Tucker may not suffice for next season’s aspirations.
While Houston’s farm system lacks extensive trade capital, combining prospects like Cole and Nezuh could make a deal enticing for Pittsburgh. Cole is known for his exceptional defensive skills and base-stealing ability but lacks consistency at the plate, which may limit his value to the Astros in their current situation. Meanwhile, Nezuh impressed during his first professional season, recording a 4.19 ERA and 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His promising development makes him a desirable trade asset that Houston could leverage while his value continues to grow.
By pursuing a trade for De La Cruz, the Astros could address their offensive needs while taking a calculated risk on a player with proven potential to rebound. If successful, this move could provide a significant boost to their lineup without depleting their resources.
