Houston Astros: Imagining the team as sellers at the deadline

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching. There is a ton of speculation about who the Houston Astros might add but, what if they sold instead?

Hang with me for a second Houston Astros fans. I’m not necessarily saying that the team needs to sell but, it gets interesting to consider. If the team were to sell some expiring contracts or shorter-term deals. The team could maybe even try to shed some of the older players on the roster.

One of the biggest concerns I’ve seen about the team buying at the deadline is which guys are going to be replaced? The bullpen has had its bumps but, none of the guys are pitching like they need to be replaced. The team has shown solid depth throughout the field as well.

So, if the Houston Astros buy, someone is going to lose their job who doesn’t deserve to. The team may have to DFA a veteran or demote a young player who has been ballin’ out. None of that sounds like a solid plan.

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Of course, the team could use a younger, MLB-level player packaged with some other prospects to net another player without losing someone else for next to nothing. This could still present problems as the team might not be able to swap the correct positions.

So, there are a few guys that the Houston Astros could consider dealing in order to create a roster spot. Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Marwin Gonzalez, and Evan Gattis are veterans that the team could try to offload. All four have expiring deals and may not return next season.

Of these four, I see Keuchel and McHugh as the most likely to get dealt. Dealing Keuchel would allow the team to bump McHugh or Peacock from the pen into the rotation thus, opening up a spot in the bullpen. Dealing McHugh would just open up a spot in the pen.

If either of those two pitchers was dealt, the Houston Astros could make a push for Zach Britton or a handful of other relievers. Keuchel would likely net better prospects than McHugh but, neither would generate top-flight prospects. However, they could help the team retool slightly after losing prospects.

If Gonzalez or Gattis were dealt, the team could look to add an OF/DH type. Though I really do see this as extremely unlikely. The team values Gonzalez versatility way too much. Gattis has been on too good of a tear this year for the team to want to lose or replace him. But, both could add some middling prospects.

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It is really hard to see the team doing this. However, if anyone has the ability to get weird and creative to build a roster it’s Jeff Luhnow. These are really the first round of free agents the Houston Astros have seen since they became a power in the league. So, he may need to think outside of the box to make sure they’re not lost for nothing.

If the Houston Astros do sell any veteran it will likely be McHugh. He wants to be a starter and has proved he still has excellent stuff. He is all but gone after this season is over because of that. So, the team may want to capitalize on his value with a team that doesn’t want to forfeit high-end prospects.

Getting McHugh off of the roster would allow the team to still have long relief options but also add another impact arm without DFAing anyone else. Tony Sipp is likely the guy that would be first off the roster if an arm was added. But, he’s pitching so well as of late that he’s made that hard to stomach.

So, even if it is unlikely, trading away an expiring contract is another way this team can help it’s push to repeat as champions. Whether it be a big name like Keuchel or an underrated guy like McHugh. This route is something for Luhnow and the gang to consider.

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Now, I’ll say it again, the chances of any of these deals happening are slim to none. However, the Houston Astros would be foolish to not consider it as they look to add to the team. Just something to consider…

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