I don’t think Naylor can play LF so to me he only makes sense to target if Houston expects Yordan to miss the rest of the year. Pavin Smith is the guy from Arizona I think makes a lot of sense. I also wouldn’t mind Houston taking back Kendall Graveman if he’s cheap to add a RH late inning option, especially if they think Dubin will not be back.
I believe our play off second baseman is Mathews with Altuve/Rogers as a back up plan. Moving on to real needs is in order here, second base will not improve via trade.
Depends on who we are playing when we go on the road. They aren't going to put Altuve out there in LF in a park with a big OF. Likewise they won't want him at 2B with Framber on the mound. I haven't been a big Espada fan since he has taken over, but his use of Altuve on defense has been spot on
We have our second baseman of the future on the roster and Altuve does not belong in left field in the play offs. He is our primary DH also our back up second baseman and left fielder moving forward.
2025 if all position players are healthy: Altuve, Pena, Paredes, Smith, and Yordan are 100% locked in as everyday starters. Diaz, Walker, and Meyers are nearly everyday starters unless an upgrade is brought in. Dubon, Caratini, Melton, and Dezenzo can fill in the 9th starting spot depending on need, but none of them improve the lineup, they simply fill it out. Dubon is a classic neutral offensive player. He doesn't do anything particularly well but also isn't a zero anywhere. Playing Caratini with Diaz and Walker requires Yordan to play LF and Altuve to play 2B. Melton with Meyers and Smith requires Altuve to play 2b. DeZenzo with Walker and Smith requires Altuve to play 2B. The best version of this team allows Altuve to move around between 2b, LF, and DH. This team can only reach its potential if this can continue and that means Dubon or Matthews must get significant starts at 2b. Dubon doesn't move the needle and Matthews, not even considering growing pains, would lock in a lineup of only 1 LH bat unless Caratini catches, and Yainer is on the bench. This makes this team very susceptible to Detroit ( SP 2-5 are RH), Tor. (SP 1-4 are RH), TB ( all SP are RH), Bos. ( SP 2-5 are RH), Sea ( all SP are RH), and Tex ( only LF SP is likely #3-5) Only the Yankes, with SP #1 and 2 have multiple LH SP in a potential playoff rotation. A run to the World Series is much more difficult without another LH bat. And if that bat can play 2b, it is another huge benefit. 2026: this team starts behind the 8 ball if Altuve, Meyers, and Matthews are regular starters and Yordan is the DH. At some point and prodoect ir player brought in who hits left handed must force his way into a regular lineup spot.
We have to go get pitching now. The firm of Gusto, Gordon and Walter is about to run out of smoke and mirrors. Charlie Morton hopefully. Maybe Alcántara but he's performed worse and costs more probably.
IMHO, I don’t believe that there is a trade that will help this team more than getting healthy. Now when Yordan, Peña, Arighetti, Javier, Melton, Dezenzo, and others get back is going to determine if Dana Brown makes a move.
Trade deadline is in less than 3 weeks. He has to make a move now. Won't have time to wait for all those pitchers.
