Houston Astros Rumors: Trade Jose Altuve For Miguel Cabrera?
The Houston Astros need to put all eyes one of the most-talented and youngest players to hit the free agent market.
The Houston Astros need to put all eyes on one of the most-talented and youngest players to hit the free agent market.
Who am I talking about?
I’m taking about infielder Miguel Cabrera.
Yes, the World Series is over and the Houston Astros are hot to trot in light of hopefully an eventful off season in terms of improving this baseball team.
As I watched the Chicago Cubs secure their first championship in 108 years, I thought to myself as far as when it’d be OUR turn.
I know it’s coming but will it be soon?
That remains to be seen.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, there could be “possible” interest by the Houston Astros in the talented veteran infielder and 11-time All-Star:
#Astros will pursue Miguel Cabrera or Edwin Encarnacion. Payroll increase is coming. They have only two players signed beyond 2017. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 9, 2016
It’s good to know that the Houston Astros are talking about bringing in some big names but acquiring such said name will likely require a trade to be facilitated.
Is it possible? Yes and you’ll never believe whom it’d likely involve.
Morosi also adds this important tidbit:
Miguel Cabrera has full no-trade clause. Jose Altuve would be key part of sales pitch; they are friends from same hometown of Maracay. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 9, 2016
Yes, Jose Altuve.
Say it ain’t so — I’d think that he’s the only Astros player that’s untouchable but if Jeff Luhnow is serious about acquiring the first baseman then he’ll have play hardball.
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That may mean he’ll have lift one of his most important pieces on his virtual chessboard.
But is there any seriousness to the madness in regard to this preposition?
Maybe.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jake Kaplan reported that the thought of facilitating a trade for Miggy is extremely unlikely but did not rule such a ridiculous idea out of the question.
Here’s what Jeff Luhnow had to say about the rumors:
"“I was asked, ‘Would we consider a trade for a Hall of Fame-caliber first baseman’, and we’re considering everything. I think the media kind of ran with that,” Luhnow told Kaplan yesterday.“Whoever started that rumor, it wasn’t us. I can’t comment specifically on any deals that we’re talking to other clubs about. I will tell you though we’re talking to teams about lots of different scenarios, and some of them are notable players that would really impact our club. Whether or not any of those conversations have a chance of getting over the finish line remains to be seen.“Players that have a lot of service time and have a lot of hardware usually don’t move that easily and it takes a while to get those deals done. But my broader point is we’re open to a lot of different things this year that we weren’t necessarily open to in the past.“We have the resources financially and player wise to put together something that’s going to feel to our fans maybe bigger than the things we’ve done the last few years. And we’re not ruling anything out if we think it can improve our club.”"
Next: Astros In Hot Pursuit Of Edwin Encarnacion?
Cabrera is owed $212 million over the next seven seasons and having the Astros take on such a mega-contract would be extremely foolhardy and one that I’m positive that owner Jim Crane will NOT sign off to.
Altuve is the cornerstone, the bedrock for the franchise and I don’t want to see him go anywhere.
I want to be at the ceremony at Minute Maid Park when the club retires his number when it’s all said and done.
I want to be at the enshrinement at the Baseball of Hall of Fame museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.
You see where I’m getting at?
The club has to be careful not to be wooed by the next hot bat out there and be handcuffed for year’s on end (i.e. Carlos Lee).
But with this current regime in place, I have no doubt that something like that will happen.
It’s great to talk about all possibilities but No. 27 should be staying right here.
But it’s nice to dream though.
Cabrera, 33 — who is also a two-time MVP — hit .316/.393/.563 with 108 ribbies, 38 home runs through 158 games and 679 plate appearances in 2016.
Go Astros.