Houston Astros: Top four options to replace Marwin Gonzalez

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SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 12: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies is tagged out at second base by Cory Spangenberg #15 of the San Diego Padres as he tries to stretch a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on August 12, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Player #2: Cory Spangenberg

Cory Spangenberg has distance between the level of elite play between he and MarGo but he could be solid option for replacement. With a nickname of “Spangy,” I could see him latch on to what the Houston Astros are doing.

He hasn’t exactly set the Earth on fire with his stat lines but he can certainly provide some help to fill the significant void that could be left by Gonzalez.

Although he’s primarily a second baseman for the San Diego Padres, he has proven his ability to play third along with left field as well. With the talented Houston Astros coaching staff/player development team, who knows what this guy could do if he’s brought in?

Spangenberg has been shuttling back-and-forth from the majors to the minors because of his inconsistency at the plate so bringing him in would be teetering on the edge of being a project and with this team built to win a championship, Spangenberg may not be what the Houston Astros are looking for.

But his versatility along with his defensive presence — has a slightly-below average -0.6 UZR currently — have immense value and someone here can figure out how to get the best production out of him.

Spangenberg, 27, a first-round pick out of Indian River Community College in the 2011 Draft, is on the cusp of having the potential to make his mark in this league.

The five-season player is under franchise control until 2021 so he too would be cost-effective and Jeff Luhnow could possibly make an effort to pry him away with with a mid- to low-level prospect or two. The question is would the Padres listen if Luhnow made the call — I think so — and is this even a scenario that could actually play out? Likely not but it’s certainly one that the team should consider if they so desperately want a utility man.

The trade rumors heated up a bit on this guy earlier in the season but could be flaming-hot once again so the Astros should take the plunge and bring him into the fold.

Spangenberg hit .235/.298/.362 along with 25 RBIs, seven home runs, six stolen bases and 108 strikeouts through 329 plate appearances in 2018.

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