Astros Countdown: Top Five Risky Trade Ideas

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Jun 6, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a single in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

If there were to be a move that the Astros would like to have back, J.D. Martinez might be one of them. Drafted by the Astros in the 20^th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Martinez struggled at the major league level with the Astros, hitting .251 with a .687 OPS in 252 career games. After he was released on March 22^nd, 2014, the Detroit Tigers quickly picked him up two years later.

In a Tigers uniform, Martinez became a completely different player. He his over 20 home runs in his first three seasons in Detroit, hitting over .280 in each of those years. In 2015, he was an AL All Star, hitting 38 home runs with 102 RBIs and a .282 batting average.

This season is nothing different for Martinez. With a late start to the season because of a mid-foot sprain, he has a .289 batting average and a career high 1.125 OPS in 25 games. He also has 16 extra base hits, including 10 home runs, and has driven in 23 RBIs.

With an outfield spot not needed on the Astros major league roster yet, Martinez would most likely be an add-in in a deal for left-handed reliever Justin Wilson or right-handed starter Justin Verlander. However, with Carlos Beltran and not knowing how long he will be in an Astros uniform, the need for a bat in the outfield may arise.

This is the issue with Martinez. The expectations for him will be sky high in an Astros uniform. After an underwhelming stint early in his career, he will be expected to be exactly the type of hitter he was with the Tigers.

Martinez may need to chance to prove that he can hit in an Astros uniform. The 2017 trade deadline is not the time to bring him back.

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