Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros: 7 Players Who Could Help at the Trade Deadline

By James Wehr

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 30: Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, right, and Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow chat during battting practice at Minute Maid Park on June 30, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 30: Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, right, and Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow chat during battting practice at Minute Maid Park on June 30, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on in the dugout during a post game ceremony following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on in the dugout during a post game ceremony following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Francisco Cervelli – Catcher – Pittsburgh Pirates

Color me a hater, I don’t care. Max Stassi is just not holding his weight right now. At the age of 28, there is still promise for him to pick up the stick and hit more than a NL pitcher can. However, on a team vying for another trophy, it’s becoming harder to justify the output.

Around four months ago, the Pirates were putting out feelers for a trade partner to take on Cervelli and his contract. In their pursuit of J. T. Realmuto, the Astros were keen to give it a go. However, after missing the biggest fish in the pond, the Astros opted to stick with Stassi and sign Robinson Chirinos.

Cervelli would not only bring a veteran presence behind the dish, but he would bring the ever so coveted ability to have a high frame rate too. So far this season, he has also thrown out a sparkling 40% of all runners against him. Well above league average.

The hitting is, well, hit and miss. In the first month of the season, he is only posting a .175 average. His career average indicates that this is merely just a slow start, as he has posted .250 and above the last nine seasons.

Contract wise, Cervelli could be penned as a rental, as he hits the free-agent market after this season. However, he could turn into a thrifty re-sign to help younger prospects like Stassi or Garrett Stubbs next year.

Plus, he’s a fan-favorite. Pirates fans already know how good he is behind the plate.

Contract:  1 year  $11 million – Free Agent 2020.
Pirate Needs:  Starting Pitcher, Bullpen, Third Base, Shortstop
Likelihood of happening: Medium to High

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