Houston Astros: One Last Move Options for Luhnow

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