I don't know - the fit is really awkward but I would look really hard at Marcel Ozuna. It would mean having Alvarez in the field in the playoffs, and likely Altuve at second. However - adding Yordan and Ozuna to the line up could potentially really off set the defensive issues. Pena Altuve Paredes Alvarez Ozuna Diaz Walker Meyers Smith
I agree that there needs to be 2 to tango. The whole point of FA is to have the choice. I'm not saying these wil get done, but that's what I would prioritize and try to accomplish as the Astros GM. And it has to be early enough in the career that the commitment does not extend beyond 3 years after original control ( preferably 2) and the AAV is able to be in the $15M area and only a Hunter Brown level talent gets a $20M offer. The Jose Urquidy and Ronel Blanco guys stay original controllable years only and move on if not traded. I'm also saying any pitcher not
The thing is that unless they surprise and get a guy like B Lowe or Donovan, any addition will likely move Altuve back to 2b in the playoffs ( at least vs RHP)
He absolutely does have a high ceiling. However, his physical size is a big disadvantage and lowers his floor. I know there have been TOR SP who are small in stature ( Oswalt for one) but you are really reducing the chances of longevity and heavy workload ability. I see a world where he becomes a Bryan Abreu type leverage guy. In my mind Ullola and Forcucci are the 2 most likely to become #1s. I hear Miller/Murphy are very very high on Forcucci.
I don't disagree I would say this though, i'm not sure the Astros care too much about longevity, if they could possibly get #1 starter for a few years out of a guy like him, they wouldn't likely be signing him longer term than his team control anyway
You know who might be a low key good super cheap LH 2B addition? Old friend Abraham Toro. He’s benefitting from some batted ball luck but his xwOBA is still .331 which is really good, and his hard hit rate is up over his previous career. He’s absolutely crushing RHP this season. Deploying a Toro/Melton tandem to hide Altuve between LF and 2B might work if no other appealing options materialize. Astros get: SP Lucas Giolito 2B Abraham Toro $15M ($5M 2025, $10M 2026 against Giolito’s team option) Red Sox get: P AJ Blubaugh IF/OF Shay Whitcomb Astros get an upside SP and a LHB at 2B without giving up much. Playoff roster: SS Pena 3B Paredes DH Alvarez LF/2B Altuve C Diaz RF Smith 1B Walker 2B/LF Toro/Melton CF Meyers Bench: Dubon, Caratini, Salazar SP: Brown, Framber, McCullers, Giolito RP: Hader, Abreu, King, Okert, Javier, Dubin, Sousa, Arrighetti, Garcia
Not sure Crane really tried to keep the other ones. He also didn't have to give Altuve the first extension (or even the last extension) when he did. Much like he didn't have to extend JV the first time (or bend over backwards with a team unfriendly contract the second time). Its clear when Crane wants to hang on to a guy. So far in his ownership, those guys have been JV, Altuve, and Yordan has now entered that group since he was willing to sign the early extension (however Bregman used to also be in that group... and Yordan may also be a double amputee by the time he's up for his post extension renegotiation).
Potentially available bats who have hit well against RHP this season (wRC+ >120, min 100 pa): 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn 1B/OF Pavin Smith 1B/DH Josh Naylor 3B Eugenio Suarez 1B/2B/OF Jake Cronenworth DH/LF Marcell Ozuna 2B Brandon Lowe LF/2B Gavin Lux OF Wilyer Abreu
Ozuna hasn't played LF since 2022. Are you suggesting putting him there or Yordan during the regular season?
A fair value yet unrealistic trade I think would thrill most of the people on this board: Astros get: 1B Josh Naylor SP Merrill Kelly Diamondbacks get: P Miguel Ullola P AJ Blubaugh 1B Christian Walker $20M ($4M 2025, $8M 2026, $8M 2027) Astros get a rental lefty bat and a rental #3 SP. They also shed over half of Walker’s remaining salary. Diamondbacks get Walker back where he’s comfortable for a low price as well as get two high upside SP prospects that can slot into their rotation next season.
Meh. I expect prices to be high. Pitching prospects have an incredible bust rate. I want the Astros to improve this year’s team. But really my post was a reverse jinx on Walker. Which worked.
