There are many questions the Houston Astros need to address before the trade deadline on July 30. General manager Dana Brown is determined not to sell, even stating they will be buyers. However, with their record at 31-38 after losing their series against the San Francisco Giants, they do not currently look like contenders.
This situation puts the Astros in a difficult position. Despite their championship pedigree and star-studded roster, there is hope they can turn things around and make the playoffs, where anything can happen. On the other hand, with contracts expiring soon, including Alex Bregman’s, the franchise must consider long-term plans.
If they continue to struggle, Houston might consider moving some pieces. However, Brown has made it clear they do not intend to sell. If they aim to upgrade and push for the playoffs, certain positions will be targeted at the deadline. Pitching is an obvious need due to season-ending injuries to Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy. Another major need is at first base.
Jose Abreu has not rebounded from his month-long stint in Florida to regain his swing, still slashing .127/.171/.200. Despite hitting two homers this month, trusting him to find his past form is difficult.
Houston has been linked to big names like Pete Alonso and Paul Goldschmidt, but acquiring them could be costly, even as rentals. Therefore, the Astros might look elsewhere. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report suggests they could consider Josh Bell from the Miami Marlins, who are likely sellers given their poor record.
“Bell of the Marlins—who seems to be traded every summer—might be a more realistic fallback.”
This could be a good option for Houston. The 2019 All-Star has a career OPS+ of 116 and has had three straight years with an above-average OPS+. Despite a down season, slashing .246/.317/.385, he offers versatility as a switch hitter.
Bell, set to become a free agent after the year, shouldn’t cost the Astros much to acquire compared to other potential options. This move could materialize if Abreu continues to struggle.
