Houston Astros: One Last Move Options for Luhnow

Does Luhnow and the Houston Astros have one more move left?

For the first time in years, the Houston Astros have been buyers during the MLB offseason. The Astros made a massive trade for Phillies Closer Ken Giles by unloading top prospects Vincent Velasquez and Mark Appel along with two other players. They offered in-house free agent Colby Rasmus a one-year qualifying offer that he has accepted. But, a lot of people in baseball still think the Astros are one move away from reaching World Series championship potential. Even the Astros have publicly admitted they are still not done this offseason. The Astros could make a splashy move or find temporary fits until some of their upcoming prospects are ready.

The Astros are reportedly looking for one more starting pitcher and a corner infield bat.  With this being the case, go through the slides and see what the Astros could have as options for this one last move.

Next: Chris Davis, First Basemen

Ian Desmond, Infielder

The Houston Chronicle’s Evan Drellich reports the Astros have had preliminary talks with Ian Desmond. He spent the past seven seasons playing shortstop for the Washington Nationals. An all-star in 2012, Desmond has been one of baseball’s best power hitting shortstops over the past few years hitting 20 homers or more in four of the past six seasons. His 2012 all-star season has been his best yet in which he hit .292 with 25 home runs, 73 RBIs, and stole 21 bases. His power totals have been identical in recent years, but his batting average has dropped each season (.280 in 2013, .255 in 2014, and 2.33 in 2015). His home run total has been similar (25 in 2012, 20 in 2013, 24 in 2014, and 19 in 2015).

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The question has become why the Astros should consider Desmond. He could play third base and potentially a little left field.  The Astros have targeted a corner infielder this offseason and Desmond’s power numbers paired with his above average speed could be a better option for the Astros than a pricey Chris Davis.  Desmond may even be interested in a one-year contract and try and cash in more next offseason when the free agent market is much weaker than this year.

Next: Wei-Yin Chen, Starting Pitcher

Wei-Yin Chen, Starting Pitcher

I have longed considered Wei-Yin Chen as a potential option for the Astros. In November, I proposed Chen as a better option for the Astros than Scott Kazmir, who recently signed with the Dodgers.  This is what I wrote in my previous post:

At 30 years old, the lefty has a career  3.72 ERA along with a 46-32 record.  In 2014, Chen went 16-6, had a 3.54 ERA, and posted a 1.23 WHIP.  In 2015, Chen improved his ERA to 3.34, went 11-8, and posted a 1.22 WHIP.  In 31 starts this season, Chen only gave up more than three runs in four starts.  Kazmir gave up more than three runs in four starts . . . after being traded to the Astros.  Chen is consistent.  With Astros run support, Chen could easily be a 15 game winner.  Chen would likely be around $10 million per season.

Houston Astros: Who’s a Better Option, Scott Kazmir or Wei-Yin Chen?

Next: Astros Roster: Will there be a spot for Preston Tucker?

The part that was way off on: $10 million per season. Chen is reportedly seeking a five-year, $100 million contract.  This is way out of the Astros price range.  The opportunity here is that next year’s starting pitching free agent class is super weak.  The Astros could talk Chen into a one-year contract so that he can cash in on the $100 million contract next season.

**Stats from Baseball-Reference**