Houston Astros: If Cespedes Signs, Which Outfielder Leaves?

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Aug 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis (11) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

From perhaps a future Brave, to a former Brave, I believe Evan Gattis could be on the move if the Astros sign Cespedes to a long-term deal. After he reaches an agreement with the Astros on his salary, the 29 year-old slugger will be available to be dealt and I believe that the Astros will indeed shop him around to teams looking for a power bat.

Gattis hit .246 last season with 27 home runs, 88 RBIs, 2o doubles, and yes, 11 triples (3rd in AL, I’m not joking) last season. He posted a 0.5 WAR and also had the most walks he’s ever had in a single season (30). While his defense is usually shaky, Gattis can play a variety of different positions, including left field, designated hitter, catcher (sparingly), and right field.

If the Astros land Cespedes, Gattis will not have much use for the club anymore. Colby Rasmus would take his spot in the corner outfield, and Cespedes would probably have the DH spot occupied for a few years. Gattis could prove to be reliable for the Astros as a backup catcher after the Astros traded Hank Conger to Tampa Bay, but I’m not sure how Gattis would react to that position change.

When drawing up potential trades for Evan Gattis, I looked at the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. Then, Justin Upton signed with the Tigers and the search was down to two teams. I eventually decided on the Mets, as Gattis would either start in left field or be a quality fourth outfielder. He also would be a quality DH in interleague games, now that the MLB has added many more to the 162-game schedule.

Hansel Robles would be a great bullpen pickup for the Astros. Not only is he a hard throwing right-hander out of the bullpen, he also won’t be a free agent until 2021. Robles and Ken Giles at the back of the bullpen would be a fearsome combination in the AL West.

Robles appeared in 57 games in 2015, striking out 61 hitters and finishing with a 1.09 WHIP. It’s also worth noting that he pitched in 3.0 innings in the postseason and didn’t allow a single baserunner.

Next: Shaking Up the Astros Outfield: Carlos Gomez

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Houston Astros: If Cespedes Signs, Which Outfielder Leaves?

By Issa Cook | Jan 19, 2016

Evan Gattis is a Versatile Player and Power Hitter, Which is why he will be a Valuable Trade Chip for the Astros