I don't want to get into too big an argument over Correa - and I don't know the future. However, I would point out that it was only 12 months ago when he had the second highest OPS of his career, and it was over .900 and his OPS+ with the Astros this season was 117. So, he should be at least good - and possibly a star if he can stay on the field. The Astros Infield should be very good offensively, especially if Paredes can play second and third. I would not assume the Astros are going to trade Correa or Paredes - the only way Paredes would be dealt would be if the Astros got a #1 type starter for him, and then at that point the Astros trade would look like a big win. Correa OPS+ 117 Paredes OPS+ 123 Pena OPS+ 132
Maybe? I really like Paredes, but Correa is a better fielder and his upside is higher. Correa has very recently been an elite hitter.
His trade value isn't as high as it should be - look at the return he has gotten in prior trades, and remember that he was the secondary piece in the Tucker trade. If Paredes can be close to an average defensive second baseman, he has tremendous value - especially for the Astros, because they can then trade Matthews if they need to. Correa/Pena/Paredes/Walker is likely to be a pretty nasty offensive infield.
Other general managers know the dimensions of their home field. He is far more valuable to us than anyone else with the exception of Boston, but their third baseman plans to opt out...
Paredes isn't going anywhere since he's only valuable to teams with short left fields. He's the crawford box king. if anyone is traded, it will be Walker. I think they will try him at second base for a bit before they even entertain trading anyone. I don't expect any trades until spring training and they have a idea how well Paredes can play 2nd base or Matthews can hit. I can also see, them trying Cam at 2nd base if Cole continues to do what he did in his call-up. Put Cole in right field and Cam at 2nd base. That's also assuming Cam can learn how to lift the ball in the off-season.
I think Paredes is the least likely position player to be traded. He is young, Taylor made for our park, and reasonably priced. If he can play 2nd base, I don’t think we trade any of Pena, Paredes, Correa, Diaz or Alvarez. Altuve will go back to LF part time and get some time at DH and 2nd base. Myers would be the odd man out if they feel like I do that Cole needs to be a starter to start the season. Our infield defense would be outstanding and LF would be our only weak link defensively. We have to get at least one MoR pitcher or better that can eat some innings if we lose Framber which is likely. If Paredes can’t play second, Walker is gone.
The way I see it we have two choices that make sense... either blow it up now (trading some of our guys that can get an honest return) or go all in for the next two years and let this team wind down organically. I would not be opposed to going for it right now, trading guys in our farm and overpaying FAs to win another ring. I would gladly go through 5 years of mediocrity after that knowing we were able to win a third ring in a ten year span and utilize the players we have now like Yordan, Altuve, Pena, Correa before starting over. What I don't want is to plug and play key missing pieces to barely stay afloat only to have to rebuild anyhow.
Assuming paredes heals up , he's one of the top 3 bats we have .. you play him . But , why not stick him at 3rd where he was quite adequate and put Correa at 2b ? We obviously value defense up the middle and at 2nd base . That was part of the rationale with bringing in Brendan rodgers .... And it made sense , plus he was cheap. Correa is a stud , team captain , winning mindset type guy . He would do it imo . Unless you wanna argue 3b stresses the hamstrings more than 2b based on having to bust it in often. I hope paredes gets back to 100 percent . It will be yet another black mark against the Astros training staff if his decision to try to come back this year results in long term complications. With paredes , pena , Correa , and walker ... You theoretically have a top infield. A long with maybe dubon and urias . Also that's great depth . Give paredes some reps at first so if walker has another doo doo season you can bite the bullet and move him. I think it will be too costly for us to do so ,.in terms of prospect capital. What we need this off-season above all else is pitching pitching pitching . I like keeping framber , but I'm in the minority there and his attitude down the stretch sucked. I'd be in the market to move Yainer , especially if you could get something good for him. But I really like salazar and think salazar and caratini would be an above average catching tandem. Also I hate yainers approach Your OF is a bit of QUestion mark. You have to find a way to put Altuve and Yordan in the lineup if they are healthy and there's only 1 DH spot . The rest of the balance is between competing and giving the young guys rope to improve. Cam Smith , Zach Cole , Matthews , meyers , sanchez , Melton etc . Some of those guys have higher ceilings but lower floors . Theoretically the Astros are trying to win next year . How much value do our guys that we'd rather not play out of that group have in a trade ? I've been low on Jake meyers . Given he just had a great season can we get a 3 starter for him ? This off-season is a huge inflection point imo . But there's too much talent on the roster to rebuild completely imo . Ok dream scenario, or intro thoughts Trade - meyers , diaz , dubon ... What kind of value can we get for these 3 ? We can throw in Cole or Melton or Matthews but only 1 likely . Does that get you in the value ballpark of a solid 2-3 pitcher ? We really need half a dozen plus new arms . Both bullpwn and 3+ starters
This is real simple, Move Walker's money and sign a FA pitcher with the money. 1B Parades 2B Altuve SS Pena 3B Correa.
I believe it is most likely that the Astros continue to add youngsters to their existing roster without a Blow Up or by Attrition. Trading away valuable existing players is smart because the cost of keeping those players continues to increase while their value remains constant and eventually decreases.
