Three Trade Targets the Astros Should Look Into Acquiring

The Astros have yet to make a major move as the club only sits with a one game lead over Oakland for first place in the AL West. If Houston does make a move, there are three players in particular who can help the team down the stretch.

As the August 31st trade deadline approaches, the Astros could be one of the teams looking to make a big move. Don’t get me wrong its not necessary that they make one considering Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa just returned from the DL. Personally, I believe the Astros should acquire one of these three players to help the team in the final month of the regular season.

C.J. Cron

Cron cleared waivers yesterday afternoon and the 28 year-old has had the opportunity to be an everyday player in Tampa and has made the most of it. The slugging 1B/DH is batting .249 with 24 home runs and 59 RBI’s, and dating back to August 10th he has been hitting .360 with a 1.080 OPS. Cron certainty won’t be an everyday player but he provides a strong bat off the bench, and if the team decides to move on from Evan Gattis this offseason Cron will still be under team control for two more years.

Francisco Liriano

The former Astro was a part of the World Series team a year ago and got two crucial outs in Game Six. The Tigers lefty has a 4.82 ERA on the season, which isn’t really impressive but has tied up left-handed hitters at the plate this year. He has a 3.82 ERA against lefties and if traded to the Astros he could fill a bullpen spot if Collin McHugh or Brad Peacock go back into the rotation to fill in for Lance McCullers.

Andrew McCutchen

Now this is the big one. The five-time All Star and 2013 NL MVP has not produced as we are used to seeing. However, that shouldn’t stop the Astros on pulling the trigger. McCutchen could be a veteran leader in the clubhouse and I believe he can turn his season around with a new start. He is batting .255 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI’s and can play all three outfield positions. This would be a major boost for the Astros and would give them an even better opportunity to repeat as World Series champions.

Overview

Don’t get me wrong as the Astros aren’t in desperate need to make a big time move, but if they decide to do so any of these three players can make an impact. The team’s dynamic duo, Correa and Altuve, have returned meaning a move isn’t necessary. However, with an addition of one of these players and if the Astros can continue to stay healthy, they can be one of the hottest teams entering the postseason this year.