Houston Astros: Would They Really Trade George Springer?

In the midst of the hot stove off season, would George Springer be used as a trade piece?

Don’t panic, Houston Astros fans! George Springer is still a key part of the Astros’ core and, as it stands right now, the likelihood of the Astros trading him is fairly slim.

But like anything that happens in the MLB offseason, it remains a possibility. Recent reports suggest the Astros plan to be very aggressive this winter. Some have even speculated that a so-called “Blockbuster Trade” could be in the works between the Astros and the New York Yankees.

If that’s true, Brian McCann and Brett Gardner figure to be pieces that Astros general manager Jeff Lunhow would be interested in. They’d solve two key problems for Houston: outfield depth and a catcher to compliment Evan Gattis, whose 2017 $5.2 million option was picked up by the team just two weeks ago.

Houston Astros /

Houston Astros

Who stays, who goes?

The Astros have a top 10 farm system stacked high with talented players. Many of them made their debut last season. They include Teoscar Hernandez, Tony Kemp, A.J. Reed and Tyler White.

Any of the above listed players could be moved. The only problem: None of them really built up their trade value while with the big league club. In fact, just the opposite. Kemp and Hernandez played for average, while the collective power of Reed and White fell short.

The performances of these position rookies of 2016 may have actually decreased how valuable they are in a trade, which may force the team to look to established veterans to move. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa figure to be the safe ones among the seasoned players.

George Springer is heading towards his first arbitration-eligible season, which means his salary will be in negotiations to make above the league minimum. With his stats on both sides of the ball, could his price tag be one that is so high, that the Astros are hesitant to pay?

The short answer to that is no, but….

If they want to acquire players like McCann and Gardner, who have the higher price tag, they have to be willing to give up top talent to do so. Since the Yankees are in need of some outfield help, Springer could be sought after pretty hard in any dealings that either team wishes to make.

Apr 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) takes batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Among the potential benefits for Springer going to a team like the Yankees would be that he would be much closer to relatives and friends from his home state of Connecticut. Even though he has professed to growing up a fan of the Boston Red Sox, the proximity to kin could be an added bonus.

Additionally, the payroll for the New York Yankees is still among the tops in the entire league. The boys in pinstripes may be willing to offer Springer more money to go with the already established closeness to those he loves. And in return, the Astros could get a nice haul for sending off the prized right fielder.

However, I reiterate my opening statement to Astros fans to stay calm. So many different scenarios exist over the proverbial “hot stove” off season of trades, acquisitions and other such moves. Question marks will fall down as fast and as numerous as snowflakes.

The price tag on Springer would need to be extremely high!

Considering what you would initially be getting back for him with just McCann and/or Gardner, something even bigger would need to happen for Jeff Lunhow to pull the trigger. Some top pitching prospects may also need to be thrown into the mix.

The uncertainty of what the 2016 Winter Meetings may (or may not) bring will be agonizing. Consider George Springer to be a safely in-tact Houston Astro going forward, but stranger things have happened.

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