MVP Slugger Could Be Perfect Trade Fit for Surging Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are surging after a latest run of success has them just 4.5 games out of the American League West lead and the final Wild Card spot.
Despite rotational issues, slumps from veterans and some, at times, questionable bullpen performances, the Astros are very much in the thick of the postseason mix.
Perhaps the largest question mark on the roster is first base. Veteran Jose Abreu was given time off to spend with family and is only now hitting in the minor leagues. His return to the Major League squad is unknown and what his role will be upon return is equally uncertain with Jon Singleton currently manning first.
Abreu, a player on a three-year, $58.5 million contract, has been that bad.
A potential answer to the issue is 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt who may be made available at the MLB trade deadline by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Goldschmidt, 37, is struggling this season but the veteran is far too experienced to let this slump prolong into an actual decline like Abreu, yet.
Additionally, Goldschmidt is a rental and with his current performance would mean his price tag will be lower than a younger player who has years of team control. He would act as a stopgap in the interim and shore up the position until Houston can tend to it in the offseason.
The MVP is a leader in the clubhouse, plays excellent defense and would provide another legitimate threat in the Astros lineup. For a team with little prospect capital, Goldschmidt might just be the perfect target for Houston to highlight at this year's trade deadline.
KADE KISTNER
Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.