There are varying schools of thought about what the Astros could do at the trade deadline. Standing pat is certainly one option, for one reason or another. Acquiring another starting pitcher could prove wise, especially if one of the rehabbing arms experiences a setback. A left-handed bat, preferably with some versatility in the infield and outfield, would help balance things out in the lineup. As I wrote earlier this week, an additional right-handed reliever for higher leverage situations is worth exploring. However, with a limited farm system and a plethora of injuries, Dana Brown doesn’t have many options to make noticeable improvements to the active roster.
One possibility is to subtract from a potential outfield surplus to help bolster the roster in other areas. Yes, an outfield surplus, although it is more of a quantity issue rather than quality. Under normal circumstances, the Astros’ ideal starting outfield would likely be Jose Altuve in left, Jake Meyers in center, and Cam Smith in right. Left field has the potential for some flexibility, as Altuve would still occasionally start at second base or serve as the designated hitter. But, in most scenarios, this is the probable outfield for Houston when better health across the roster allows it. Jacob Melton and Zach Dezenzo would also be in the mix for playing time in the outfield. Throw in the occasional Yordan Alvarez and Mauricio Dubón cameos, and there isn’t much room for anyone else.
Incidentally, I wonder if the injuries to Meyers and Melton likely sealed the former’s fate and kept the Astros from including him in any potential trade talks. But, in all honesty, it isn’t like another team will be banging hard on the door to inquire about the availability of Chas McCormick, Taylor Trammel, or Cooper Hummel. Considering how many injuries have afflicted the roster this season, I’d caution against trading too much of any surplus at this point.
However, there isn’t an outfielder on the IL currently who isn’t expected to return at some point this season, so it is easy to envision a playing time issue eventually. Of those three outfielders, though, McCormick probably holds the most trade value, even if diminished due to his struggles in the past year and a half. He also has the highest salary of the three ($3.4 million), and the Astros have noticeably avoided crossing that first tax threshold since the start of the current league year. Any notable addition would likely have to include McCormick’s remaining 2025 salary being moved off the books.
Even with all of the outfield injuries, I’d be surprised if McCormick isn’t on the move at some point by the trade deadline. I have absolutely zero inside knowledge, but from the outside looking in, he also stands to gain the most with more playing time and a possible change of scenery. Already 30, McCormick’s 2023 season (22 home runs with a 133 wRC+) will likely stand the test of time as his best individual season.
The outfield by late August or early September ought to look different, especially once Meyers and Melton return. Any other additions, perhaps in the infield, could also increase Dubón’s playing time in left or center. With multiple years of club control — optionable years at that — it could be time for Brown to capitalize on any of McCormick’s remaining value. He represents perhaps the organization’s best realistic trade chip on the active roster without subtracting too much present value. Any return by himself, though, won’t move the needle much, unless part of a larger, more consequential trade.