Astros Make Sneaky Trade Right on Heels of Carlos Correa Deal

Oct 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) waves to the crowd after coming off the field before the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) waves to the crowd after coming off the field before the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros flipped MLB upside down right before Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins. The deal, which has yet to be finalized, brings a former World Series hero back to Houston, but is just a small part of what the Astros needed to accomplish at the deadline.

The Astros traded for Ramón Urías to make up for the extended absence of third baseman Isaac Paredes but they still needed help on the mound and in the outfield. With Correa’s return drawing the headlines, Houston swung another trade moments after the blockbuster was announced, giving them some help where they needed.

Astros Acquire Jesús Sanchez from Marlins Moments After Carlos Correa Trade

According to Astros writer Michael Schwab, Houston is acquiring outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Miami Marlins. Sánchez is a left-handed bat that has played in both corner outfield positions during his career, and is hitting .256/.320/.420 with 10 homers, 36 RBI and nine stolen bases in 11 attempts in 86 games this season.

With the added benefit of roster flexibility and an affordable contract that has him under team control in 2027, Sánchez is a cost-effective solution to the Astros’ depth issues heading into the final months of the season.

The Astros have been hit hard by injuries with 18 players currently on the injured list. Shortstop Jeremy Peña and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez are set to return to the lineup within the next month but Houston still had depth issues including Chas McCormick’s struggles and a calf injury for centerfielder Jake Myers.

While Cam Smith has had a solid rookie season, hitting .258/.329/.386 with seven homers and 45 RBI after coming over in the Kyle Tucker trade last winter, he has hit the wall in his last 20 games with a .143/.230/.182 batter’s line with six RBI.

With the Seattle Mariners making a trade for Eugenio Suárez on Wednesday night, the Astros needed to make a splash to preserve their five-game lead in the American League West. After adding Correa, Urías and Sanchez, the Astros have at least made their attempt to make sure this season doesn’t go in the tank.

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