3 Players Astros Should Target in Trade This Offseason
By Sean Facey
2019 ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Houston Astros, as they suffered a crushing defeat in Game 7 of the World Series at the hands of the Washington Nationals, who denied them their second title in three years. Now, they'll look to retool an already stacked roster for yet another run at glory in 2020, and they should seriously consider dipping into the trade market in the offseason to do so.
3. OF Charlie Blackmon
Though Blackmon's remaining contract is less than ideal, he'd plug the one true hole the Astros have offensively in right field. He finished the 2019 season with a 125 wRC+, far better than what Jake Marisnick or Josh Reddick have to offer, hitting to the tune of a .314/.364/.576 slash line. He'd fit in nicely in what is already a juggernaut offense, smoothing out the only real downside in the batting order.
2. RHP Kirby Yates
The Astros may already have Roberto Osuna in the bullpen, but he has struggled mightily to get critical outs in each of the last two postseasons. If the Astros want to snag their second title in franchise history, then a trade for a star reliever like Kirby Yates is an absolute must. He finished the year with a 1.19 ERA, 1.30 FIP and 41 saves to his name. Yates has been a reliable man in the bullpen for the San Diego Padres, and could push Houston's relief core over the hump.
1. RHP Corey Kluber
After such a depressing end that appeared to come on sour terms with ace starter Gerrit Cole, the Astros will be down a man in the rotation heading into next season. Rookie surprise Jose Urquidy will no doubt find himself pitching every fifth day, but the Astros could use another veteran to anchor the pitching staff, and Kluber fits the bill nicely. He's coming off of a career-worst year in which he posted a 5.80 ERA, but he could be a strong rebound candidate in Houston, now fully rehabilitated. The Astros' coaching staff could be just what he needs to find his Cy Young form again.