Astros Acquire Player, Considered Offseason Trade Prospect
The Houston Astros are navigating a challenging offseason regarding their roster construction. The team is experiencing an overlap in the outfield and infield, particularly following the trades for Carlos Correa, Jesus Sanchez, and Ramon Urias ahead of the last trade deadline.
Current Player Landscape
With the return of Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes from injuries, along with top prospects Brice Matthews and Jacob Melton, the Astros have a wealth of talent that necessitates a reassessment of their lineup. Consequently, the management may consider trading multiple players this winter to create roster space.
Potential Trades and Non-Tender Decisions
In addition to trades, the Astros might choose to non-tender contracts to certain arbitration-eligible players, with Ramon Urias being a primary candidate. Urias struggled during his time with Houston, posting a disappointing .223 batting average and an OPS+ of 76 in 35 games.
- 2022 Gold Glover: Despite his struggles, Urias’s past performance does hold trade value.
- Career Offensive Stats: In 2021, he achieved a slash line of .254/.322/.423, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 37 RBIs.
- Non-Tender Implications: Trading or releasing Urias could alleviate the logjam in the infield.
Should the Astros decide to put Urias on the trade market, the potential return remains undetermined. However, his past season’s success could attract interest from other clubs looking to bolster their rosters.
Future Infield Composition
Should Urias depart, Mauricio Dubon would likely serve as the everyday utility player, allowing Paredes to step into a starting role at second base. Carlos Correa would continue at third base, while Jeremy Pena would hold the shortstop position.
Moreover, Jose Altuve could increase his presence in the outfield and take more days as a designated hitter. This configuration would enable Matthews to either secure a spot on the big league roster or be among the first choices for call-ups in case of injuries.
As the offseason progresses, keep an eye on Urias, as he may be a pivotal piece in the Astros’ roster adjustments. With a crowded lineup, changes are likely to shape the team’s future strategies for the upcoming season.
