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Astros Trade Hypothetical: Club should target Salvador Perez
The Astros have very few question marks going into the 2019 season, but after missing out on J.T. Realmuto, could Salvador Perez be the real answer at catcher?
I know what you’re thinking, and no, I will not be talking about J.T. Realmuto at nauseating lengths. Also, yes, I know this is purely generated in my own mind, but follow me for a second.
After witnessing, what I can only describe as baseballs’ equivalent of “Keeping Up with The Kardashians”; the baseball world finally saw Realmuto bid adieu to Miami and arrive as a hero in Philadelphia. Among the suitors vying for Realmutos’ services were, in fact, the Houston Astros.
Instead of landing the “Big Fish”…(you see what I did there?)…the Astros settled on signing Robinson Chorinos and continuing the Max Stassi experiment. However, there is still a major question mark behind the dish. While the options now are cheap and serviceable, there needs to be general behind the plate.
This is where I believe a lot of opinions splinter off, when someone offers up the idea of the ideal catcher. Many people want someone like Buster Posey, equal parts offensively and defensively prolific. Others like someone more akin to Brad Ausmus, who is mainly a defensive-minded catcher.
The Astros have both polar points in Stassi and Chirinos; the latter is notably better with the bat; as evident with his plus power (.419 SLG in 2018 and .506 SLG in 2017) and ability to get on-base (.338 OBP in 2018 and .360 OBP in 2017).Stassi, on the other hand, being known for his glove more (.997 FLDG % in 2018) and ability to throw out runners (26% thrown out rate in 2018).
Looking at those numbers, its still hard to spin a positive review on how the catching position will shape out in 2019. What if, however, we could blend both players together and get the catcher we need?
Why not Salvador Perez?
Ladies and gentleman, I give you Salvador Perez.
First, it makes as the Royals have all but admitted that they are in a full on rebuild mode. Trading off Kelvin Herrera, Mike Moustakas, and Joakim Soria in 2018 and allowing Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain walk in 2017. They only have Alex Gordon and Perez as the only key members of the 2015 World Series roster.
The Royals have also shed so much player payroll, that they now rank in the bottom-ten of major league franchises, according to Sportrac. Of the top players, Perez makes up only $11 million of that payroll, with three more years on his current contract.
So why does all that background matter? Well, mainly to validate to myself that this could possibly happen. More so, however, it lays the ground work for the trade scenario.
Stat wise, Perez is a specimen all his own. Entering his ninth season in the majors, Perez has been named an All-Star six times. Less than three months away from turning 29-years old, Perez is also a five-time Gold Glover and two-time Silver Slugger.
Perez, lately, has traded his contact for more of a power swing, as he now sits at a .260 AVG but averages 20+ home runs per season. His OPS and OBP hover around the .710 and .440 area, respectively.
Should the Astros go for it?
“But James, all that info is nice, but that seems like we would have to give up a lot. Look at what the Phillies gave up for Realmuto?”
Realmuto and Perez should not be looked at under the same microscope. Realmuto is still on tap to go into arbitration next year, which is a huge commodity to owners. His current contract is $5.9 million, which is again a big trade incentive for owners.
For teams like the Marlins, this means they can ask for more quantity and quality when it comes to prospects. Add in the fact that Realmuto is still only 27-years young.
For teams like the Royals, who are trying to get younger and shred salaries, its more in their best interest to get rid of said players. Perez is also 29-years old and on the books leading into his age-33 season. This means the cards are now in the Astros’ hands in terms of working out a deal.
The Astros also have a plethora of young talent just hanging out in Triple-A. Most notably outfielder Derek Fisher, who is steadily vying for a roster spot with the parent club. There are also some notable young arms that could possibly entice the Royals into a trade.
Kansas City is also notably hurting for young outfield talent, in addition to pitching and corner infielder positions. The Astros, again, have the means to help in that aspect as well.
If we were to use the Realmuto trade as a barometer for what the Astros would have to cough up to get Perez, I wouldn’t imagine that top prospects Kyle Tucker or Forrest Whitely would be a part of negotiations. However, players like Yordan Alverez or J.B. Bukaukaus (who had a stellar outing recently) could be potential trade chips. To guess what players could be traded can be debated until the cows come home, however the main point is: the Astros have the means to get him.
Next. Can Aledmys Diaz fill Marwin Gonzalez’s shoes?. dark
Jeff Lunhow needs to take stock in the catcher position over the next two months, but I believe we need to make a move for a player sooner rather than later. Perez should be the top name the Astros seek out.