Cards are only 3.5 out of a playoff spot right now and Gray is signed next year and club controlled in 27. If they were willing to trade him I can't imagine we would be able to come up with the best package to offer them. He would instantly become the top player available
Here’s the list of guys I think might be available who would be worth Houston parting with one or more of their most valuable trade chips (namely Melton, Matthews, or Arrighetti): Steven Kwan Maikel Garcia Kris Bubic Pablo Lopez Joe Ryan Edward Cabrera Mackenzie Gore Brendan Donovan Alec Burleson Lars Nootbaar Brady Singer Oneil Cruz Mitch Keller Pavin Smith
I’d give them 2 (or maybe all 3) for Kwan. Oneil Cruz would have to be Melton plus other stuff for me (ZD, Whitcomb, Chas) where you convinced them one upside guy either star potential and 3 other average bats would be worth the flyer. Matthews and melton for Donovan and Nuutbar would be an interesting challenge trade. I’d be scared to do it but that would represent the Astros pushing every single chip in on being awesome in 25, 26 and 27 and then probably trading Cam, Yordan, Diaz, Brown and Arrighetti for a rebuild and pocketing draft picks from Pena and Paredes who probably leave. I’d be ok with that I think.
He has a full no trade which is the only reason he is still on the team. They are trying to get out from under payroll and he is crazy expensive. They also have a new GM set up to take over next year and he wants payroll flexibility and his own guys who fit his vision. But you are right. They have an owner who is about to be 85 and very much wants another ring. No way they sell a guy who can help that until they are all but eliminated. Another reason the off season may he better
The only one I don't think is worth one if those is Pavin Smith. Very goid player who I woukd be happy to see in Houston, but. . . Limited to 1b/corner OF/DH Has averaged 300 PAs per year for 5 years Career .599 OPS vs LH pitching. 2 years of control @ arb salaries Not valuable enough to give up one if those guys but I would he happy to see him in Houston if it was more like the cost of Christian Vasquez - 2 prospects outside of the organization top 5-8.
List of likely available rental players who would move the needle for Houston: Luis Robert Jr. (has team options) Dylan Cease Ryan O’Hearn Cedric Mullins Willi Castro
Any interest in Logan Davidson from the A's? He just got DFA'd so we could probably get him for cash considerations. Former first rounder who's got an .809 OPS in AAA. Has positional versatility in the infield and even outfield. Needs a 40-man spot, but we can probably create one for him.
He’s not as good as he was at his peak. His power has declined for some reason. But he can’t still field and steal bases. He may get rejuvenated playing on the Astros.
At this rate I say we just trade "Cash Considerations" for teams AAAA players that aren't on their 40-man rosters, AAAA players seem to work for us.
Potentially so would Louis Robert Jr. I can't hang my hat on a hope that a change of scenery makes a player as good as he used to be. That's just me. Crazy we have the best record in the AL with the Space Cowboys composing half our starting nine. Health will be the deciding factor as to how far we go in October.
