Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Should Pursue Star Outfielder Soler at Trade Deadline
With the season's midway point rapidly approaching, the defending World Series champions Houston Astros are pushing to remain in the playoff picture.
The Astros had a strong month of May, going 17-10. Heading into Thursday's game with Toronto, they're 36-26. If the season ended today, Houston would earn the second AL wild-card spot.
But winning the division would be better.
Houston has had a few injury woes this season. Their lineup hasn't had power at the plate. The Astros just got Jose Altuve back in the lineup Wednesday after missing the last four games due to oblique tightness.
Using the MLB trade deadline to fill the void of strong bats and depth for Houston's lineup would be a smart move for general manager Dana Brown.
But who fits the bill?
The team already has a star-studded roster, but a few additional pieces could be the difference between a World Series run and falling short of a Wild Card spot.
Miami Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler is a good name for the top of the wishlist. He has two World Series titles, one with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and 2021 with the Atlanta Braves.
During the 2021 postseason run, Soler hit three home runs in the series. That tied a Braves franchise record shared with Ryan Klesko (1995), Lonnie Smith (1991), and Hank Aaron (1957).
He also won the 2021 World Series MVP Award.
During his time with the Kansas City Royals, Soler became the first player in history to record at least 40 home runs in a single season. In 2019, he batted .265 and led the American League with 48 home runs and 178 strikeouts in 589 at-bats.
Soler joined Miami in March 2022 on a three-year, $36 million contract. He's been productive for the Marlins in a hotly-contested National League East contest. Currently, he's slashing .242/.325/.525 this season over 59 games with 53 hits in 246 plate appearances.
The Marlins slugger currently ranks fourth in the league in home runs (17) and 32nd in RBI (36). He's a hitter who brings power to the plate. That is something Houston and manager Dusty Baker need to see more of in their lineup.
Houston currently ranks 15th in the league in home runs and could use some power. They're struggling on occasion to put up runs. Having the 2021 World Series MVP as an option would benefit the squad if they need to smash a few home runs out of the park.
Couple that with postseason experience in the past five years and Soler should top Brown's trade deadline target list.
More From SI's Inside The Astros:
- Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
- Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
- Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
- Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
- Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
- Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
- Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
- Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
- Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
- Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball
