Astros have a deal in place with free agent catcher Robinson Chirinos

I'd be willing to make the trade for Realmuto with JBB and Alvarez, but I'm in a minority. I feel like our RHP and OF depth is very stacked, not to mention OF is the easiest position to find, and C is by far the hardest.
Here's a thought: If Realmuto goes to CIN, how about make a run for Barnhart, who will become redundant for hem? Elite defense, 4 years of control, 28yo, 4 years of control left (including an option). Hits for decent contact despite a down year last year, and is a switch hitter (something I really like).

 

Barnhart is likely to be included in the package going to Miami.

 

Oh okay. And I can see Miami keeping him given his control.

Still would like to see Garrett Stubbs get a shot at some point this season, see what he brings to the table.

 

Beyond 2019 our pitching depth is almost all unproven. If we don't resign any of our free agents after the season our rotation in 2020 would be an innings limited Lance McCullers, Brad Peacock, and then 3 guys that are unproven or with minimal MLB experience at this point. Hopefully some of James, Valdez, Whitley, JBB, Martin, Perez, etc prove to be capable starters. Until then I am not in favor of trading away our pitching depth for 2 years of a catcher. I would trade some of those arms for a proven starter under multiple years of control.

 

Every team's pitching staff is unproven past 2019. It is a matter of who's easier to project. There aren't that many pitchers (probably <20) that project to be better than Whitley in 2020 and beyond as pitching, even for MLB pitchers, is hard to project two years out. LMJ and Peacock are not likely to be better than Whitley in 2020.

 

Which is one more reason to try and win another one right now

 

We don’t have a single pitcher signed that has any proven mlb starting experience

Surely you understand there is a difference between that and other contenders who have proven mlb pitchers under more control

Prospects are great to have, just assuming they will turn out usually doesn’t lead to titles

 

I am trying not to think about 2020 just yet.