Astros: Five trade targets to consider this offseason

Trade Target #3: 1B Paul Goldschmidt

Like Paxton and Perez, Paul Goldschmidt is another player whose future with his current club likely depends on its future direction. Like I detailed not too long ago, the Astros should consider trading for Goldschmidt if he is made available by the Diamondbacks.

On paper, the Texas State product would fit in nicely on the roster. Not only would he provide a potent bat to the lineup, but he would also take over first base duties from Yuli Gurriel. If so, Gurriel would then transition to more of a utility role in the infield, similar to Marwin Gonzalez.

2018 stats: .290/.389/.533, 33 HR, 83 RBI, 13.0% BB%, 25.1% K%, 145 wRC+

Offensively, Goldschmidt would likely catapult Houston’s lineup to very top of the leaderboards. Opposing pitching staffs would have to face some combination of him, Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bregman atop the lineup.

However, Goldschmidt is entering his age-31 season and he is scheduled to hit free agency next year. The Diamondbacks exercised the $14.5 million club option on his contract as the offseason started a few weeks ago. The main concern has to be the trade package needed to sway Arizona. Second, any team that acquires the first baseman will have to ponder whether to sign him to a long-term contract. Goldschmidt hasn’t shown much in terms of slowing down, but it is risky to invest a lot in money and prospects for a first baseman on the other side of 30-years old.

Even if the Astros only have his services for one season, the thought of pairing Goldschmidt in this lineup while Verlander and Cole are under contract is tempting.