Houston Astros: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2018 season

5^th Bold Prediction

Your Astros will repeat as 2018 World Champions…

That isn’t bold at all. In fact, they are the clear favorites, and I already said that in my very first article for Climbing Tal’s Hill.

Let’s not be cliché here.

The ‘REAL’ 5^th Bold Prediction.

This prediction actually deals with the J.T. Realmuto deal or lack thereof. Recent rumors emerge that Astros and Marlins are in discussion about swapping top prospect OF Kyle Tucker for catcher Realmuto. How serious these talks are is still premature.

The Astros do need help at the catcher position with the question marks around Gattis and Brian McCann but is the top prospect worth trading away?

Maybe, just maybe the Astros don’t want to trade for Realmuto but just shopping the idea of how much Tucker is worth. The Marlins seem like they want to rebuild but is one prospect enough? The price for him seems to be rising. I think the Astros will be ok with the catchers they have now and testing out the value of a great prospect early is smart. If Tucker remains safe, he will undoubtedly compete for a role in 2019. But, will he be called up late this year to see some time and test the waters?

Next: Astros looking to trade for Realmuto?

My Bold Prediction: Kyle Tucker sees playing time in the majors for the Astros in the fall of 2018. He may even have a role in the postseason just like Derek Fisher did.

*** Stats courtesy of Fangraphs.com and Baseball-Reference***