Astros Trade Hypothetical: Club should target Salvador Perez

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.

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.