If the Astros are open to trading Jeremy Pena that market should pick up now. There are no starting caliber SS available on the FA market (Bichette is a 2B).
The Astros are going to be very good defensively at 3/4 of infield and right field if they don’t move Cam Smith. They should be at worst average in CF defensively. Basically LF and 2nd base are only spots they w on’t be good. I personally am fine with Altuve at 2nd. I don’t think Arraez is a perfect fit, but I do believe he is obtainable, capable of playing multiple spots and his hitting profile fits the Astros needs. If the Astros move Sanchez (like they believe they can), and Arreaz’ market remains tepid, he could fill the needs of the Astros. He is someone they had discussed earlier in the winter.
I am sure there is a part of Brown, deep down inside, that hopes a couple of teams call about Pena and offer him a package he cannot turn down… slide Correa over to SS for at least half the games, let Paredes play 3rd and get a haul for Pena to set up the current and future Astros…
I don’t believe Crane would go into the luxury tax for Arraez - but I don’t think he would likely put them into the tax. We will have to see what he ends up signing for but there is a good chance he doesn’t get a big contract. Moving Sanchez alone would likely cover half his 2025 salary unless someone decides increase his current market price. The Astros will have $32,500 to spend if they move Sanchez. If they move Meyers, it’s $37,000. If Paredes is moved it’s $47,000. The Astros have options to create room within reason under the luxury tax - they just can’t go out there and sign anyone they want…. This is all assuming it is a guarantee they stay under the luxury tax. I asked and was told this weekend that it isn’t any different than any other year. If there is a player that can help the Astros substantially and the money is reasonable, Crane will consider it. The Astros are far from a certainty to win 95 games this year, but there is still a lot of upside on the roster and resources to fill holes if they are savvy.
That would be fun to watch. I like the prospect of him pushing Walker into the 6-7 hole and potentially making the end of the line up more dangerous… Walker/Diaz/Cole isn’t bad for 7-9.
Walker will need to buy into the bottom of the lineup without sulking or wanting more first. If he can do that I think he drives in runs.
If Dana can sign/trade for a couple of quality starters, I could see the Stros winning between 90-95 games next yr, particularly if Dana can add another bat.
1/3 of the way into the offseason and here’s who I think might be interested in each of Houston’s potentially available players: Walker: D-backs, Red Sox Pena: Blue Jays, Brewers, Tigers Paredes: Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Tigers, Phillies, Pirates, Giants Smith/Sanchez: Royals, Tigers, Reds, Brewers, Mets, Rays, Pirates Meyers: Royals, Brewers, Phillies, Mets, Rays, Tigers
And who's gonna hit? This lineup isn't a Yordan and Paredes away from getting back into contention. While those two will certainly help, 1. The plate discipline and patience needs to get A LOT better 2. Cam Smith needs to take a noticeable step forward 3. Carlos Correa, Christian Walker, and Jose Altuve all eed carry an OPS around .800 (Unlikely). 4. Pena needs to back up last year with a similar level of production 5. It would be nice to have some power from the Center Field position. While everyone raved about Jake Meyers, 3 homeruns in 104 games ain't gonna cut it. 6. STAY HEALTHY
I like the young outfielders in the minor leagues and would rather push them to the majors than spend money we do not have to patch the line up. Go after a starting pitcher if we can find one that deserves to be an Astro. If not we have a few pretty fair youngsters that pitch too.
Pena is the last Astro I would consider trading. He should be extended for another 5 years this winter. As should Brown. It costs nothing to make an agreement about the future. The goodwill it creates is priceless.
All I know is a top 3 of Pena/Parades/Alvarez is going to produce runs. A bottom 4 of Walker/Diaz/Cam/Cole should produce runs through sheer power. I believe Cam will take a step forward next yr.
This is my preferred plan. I don’t see a downside to trading Myers and starting Cole in center at least against right handers. I, too, think Cam will breakout this year. If Cole is Myers with power and Cam breaks out we have an extremely deep lineup. We also have Correa a full year which adds even more strength to our lineup with Alvarez and Paredes returning. I don’t see why anyone is wringing their hands on acquiring another bat. If we can somehow get 2 MoR starters, we have a real chance. If we are in it the deadline, then go for another ToR rental.
Cole is not going to be “Meyers with power”. I don’t think people appreciate how good Meyers is defensively. There are probably <5 CF in the last 10 years who have been as good at getting to and catching balls hit to CF. If the Astros trade Meyers they will certainly be downgrading their defense in CF. Now, it might be totally worth it, because they might be replacing him with a guy in Cole who can hit 30 HR and an 850 ops with average to above average CF defense. But there is definitely risk. They could end up with a 40% k rate and mediocre defense and be juggling between 2 unplayable bats in Melton and Cole because that’s their only option once they trade Meyers.
Problem is that bottom 4 is strike out to end innings quickly prone. Nobody there is a "get on base" guy. It'll be all or nothing.
