Key Takeaways:
– Houston Astros may become trade-deadline buyers despite having a tough start in the 2024 MLB season.
– Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a hypothetical trade involving the Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays.
– The proposed deal involves Astros trading first baseman/outfielder Joey Loperfido and outfielder Kenedy Corona for the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Are the Tides Turning for Astros in MLB 2024?
It’s been a rough ride for the Houston Astros in the early part of the 2024 MLB season. They’ve been grappling with a disappointing 12-23 record and are occupying the last place in the American League West. However, rumors of a potential trade-deadline deal indicate they may be plotting a comeback.
The Hypothetical Trade Scenario
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested an intriguing trade scenario involving the Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays. He recommended a match-up that involves Houston acquiring the Blue Jays’ first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in exchange for two of the Astros’ top prospects: Joey Loperfido, an outfielder-cum-first baseman, and outfielder Kenedy Corona.
Guerrero, who is expected to hit free agency after the next season, is particularly appealing for the Astros. Despite his underperforming early-season stats, his young age and potential make him a worthy acquisition, especially considering Houston’s current roster struggles.
Are the Astros in Need of a Booster?
A glaring reason behind Astros’ potential interest in Guerrero is first baseman Jose Abreu’s underperformance. His dismal stats, including a terrifyingly low triple slash of .059/.156/.113 in his first 77 plate appearances in 2024, signifies the need for change in the Houston camp. Although not performing to his potential, Guerrero’s .234/.335/.365 line with four home runs and 15 RBIs in early 2024 can prove vital for the Astros.
Pressing the Panic Button or Looking for Opportune Deals?
While the rough start is alarming, Astros general manager, Dana Brown, has remained optimistic. “I don’t see any chance of us becoming sellers. The team is too good. If guys start to turn a corner, good things will happen,” Brown said, signaling that the Astros are still preparing for a bounce-back.
The lingering question concerning Astros becoming sellers before the July 30 trade deadline paints an unsure picture of their current state. Astros are amidst a struggle sandwiched with their past success and hope in their roster as they’ve reached the American League Championship Series seven years in a row, even scoring two World Series titles.
This Guerrero-to-Houston trade scenario certainly adds up to the team’s potential rebound strategies. Despite the Blue Jays also not having the best start, this deal could be beneficial to both parties, considering the Blue Jays’ uncertainty surrounding Guerrero’s contract. However, this remains purely speculative until an official announcement is made.
The Astros’ difficult start to the season, compounded with player underperformance, has raised some serious questions about their strategy moving forward. Amid these challenges, the potential acquisition of Guerrero illustrates the Astros’ resilience and determination to turn their season around. Nonetheless, whether this move materializes and helps improve the Astros’ standings in this season of Major League Baseball remains a game of wait and watch.