Houston Astros: CTH’s July Trade Deadline Preview

What major league pieces do the Astros have available for trades?

Jun 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third base coach

(10) congratulates Houston Astros first baseman

(23) after hitting a home-run in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

Last season, the Oakland A’s and Boston Red Sox made one of those rare trades involving a major league star for another star in the Jon Lester for Yoenis Cespedes. I don’t think the Astros would do a trade like that, such as a George Springer for Sonny Gray type of trade. There are some other major league type players that the Astros could afford to lose.

• Chris Carter – Earlier in the offseason I was so excited about Chris Carter finally finding his swing in the middle of 2014 season. However, he has once again gotten off to a cold start and has not really showed the same bounce back ability. The Astros will wait a few weeks to see what Jon Singleton can offer, and then they might try to trade Carter or Singleton.
• Marwin Gonzalez – With Jed Lowrie returning soon, the Astros could be able to replenish the farm system with a trade of Gonzalez. Lowrie should be able to offer the same multi-position ability that Gonzalez can. I doubt this happens because he has started to hit recently.
• Colby Rasmus – But I don’t think the Astros will trade him.
• Jonathan Villar – Teams have already inquired about him; he could be included in a trade for a team that sees his five-tool potential.
• L.J. Hoes and Alex Presley – Yes they are in the minor leagues, but they are still major league type players. The Angels and Orioles have already reportedly looked into possible trades for these two (per Evan Drellich).
• Dan Straily – The Astros have bypassed him several times for a shot in the rotation, so maybe other teams could use him in the rotation.
• Luis Valbuena – Teams who are desperate for a third baseman could offer the Astros a starting rotation pitcher for Valbuena, after all he does have 19 home runs despite batting .199 for the season. He plays great defense, so a team in need of a third baseman could pursue him if Jed Lowrie proves he can handle the hot corner.

These are the players with major league experience who could be traded away without hurting the overall nucleus of the team.

Next: Which Astros prospects are most likely on the move?