November 24, 2024

One trade, one signing Astros should make

With a roster stacked with talent, the Houston Astros made a run at another World Series title but they were defeated by division rival Texas Rangers in game seven of the American League Championship Series. Looking to get revenge in 2024, here is one trade and one signing the Astros should make this offseason.

Trade: Astros acquire infielder Jorge Polanco from Twins for two players

Twins put 2B Jorge Polanco on 10-day IL with hamstring strain - The San  Diego Union-Tribune

While the Astros have about as complete of a roster as you can find heading into the offseason, they also have some pieces they can move to bring in a former All-Star.

With his name starting to heat up on the trade market, Polanco could be a sneaky addition to the lineup that can be deployed in various positions across the infield.

After another down year in 2023, Polanco is still only two years removed from his career year in 2021 which saw him mash 33 home runs and drive in 98 RBIs for the Twins.

In this trade, the Twins would receive pitcher Jose Urquidy and utilityman Mauricio Dubon in exchange for the 30-year-old switch-hitter.

While trading Dubon would sting after his breakout season, the chance to add a potential 20-plus home run bat to your lineup without having to give up a premium player or prospect might be too much to pass up for Houston.

Signing: Add veteran outfielder Kevin Kiermaier

Blue Jays' Kiermaier prioritizing AL East, playing on grass in free agency  | theScore.com

With centerfielder Jake Meyers failing to take that next step in 2023, the Astros would be wise to go out and bring in a veteran like outfielder Kevin Kiermaier who saw a solid jump in his offensive production while still patrolling the outfield with the best of them.

At 33 years old he posted his best offensive season since 2017, slashing .265/.322/.419 with 35 extra-base hits and 14 stolen bases while hitting towards the bottom of the Toronto Blue Jays lineup.

His .265 batting average in 2023 was the second-highest in his ten-year MLB career and helped him demonstrate his new approach at the plate after mediocre results the last three seasons.

While he won’t be asked to carry the team with his bat, he would get plenty of opportunities to do damage with a lineup as deep as the one in Houston.

Kiermaier is projected by Spotrac’s market value calculator to get a two-year, $15M contract and he fits perfectly with the Astros championship timeline.

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