Houston Astros: Three reasons why trading for Roberto Osuna was crucial

The Houston Astros are dominating the headlines once again for a particular trade that was made for one Roberto Osuna.  This move was controversial and carefully vetted but it was right one to make and I’m going to give you three reasons as to why.

The Houston Astros are putting the pedal to the metal before the MLB non-waiver trade deadline comes at them fast tomorrow at 3 p.m. CDT.  This team is built to win a World Series but there’s always room for improvement with this bunch.  Some of the most glaring weaknesses this team has have been exposed as of late and it’s up to the Houston Astros brass to shore them up.

Let’s review the moves that have made before the deadline shall we?  The Houston Astros needed additional depth at the catcher position with Brian McCann having knee surgery a few weeks back.  With his return likely not being for another month or so, there was a dire need for a solid catcher outside of Max Stassi who has had a solid year on that front.  Tim Federowicz, who has been designated for assignment and has opted for free agency, was just not cutting it.

The Houston Astros were able to snag Gold Glove-catcher Martin Maldonado from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Single-A pitcher Patrick Sandoval and $250K in international pool money which certainly is a fair exchange for somebody who can make an immediate impact.

And then the Houston Astros were not done, acquiring the flame-throwing reliever in Ryan Pressly from the Minnesota Twins.  Luhnow pulled two of his Top 15 prospects in RHP Jorge Alcala and outfielder Gilberto Celestino — both were ranked No. 10 and No. 15 respectively by MLB Pipeline in the organization — to bolster the depth of the bullpen.