Astros: Players in DFA or trade trouble “if” Souza makes 40-man

The Houston Astros added a few veterans to their non-roster invites for this spring that included Steve Cishek, Hector Velasquez and Steven Souza Jr. While Brian McTaggart is predicting Souza to make the 26-man roster, this leaves the Astros in a position of either trading or designating a player for assignment. While being close to Opening Day, a DFA could be in the ballpark of the Astros’ decisions, but it all comes down to the player.

With the injury to Framber Valdez being settled, his likely seat within the organization will be on the injured list until healthy again; giving his 40-man spot to newly signed starting pitcher, Jake Odorizzi. Steve Cishek is also a projected 26-man roster spot holder, while being a non-roster invite. His 40-man spot could be in Forrest Whitley, as the right-hander might need Tommy John Surgery.

Which Astros players are in danger of a being DFA’d for Steven Souza Jr.?

After the hip injury to right-handed pitcher Josh James, it was believed the Astros would free open a spot on the roster, but after progressing well, James is staying on the 40-man until is fully healthy in the coming months. While also having an injured Austin Pruitt expected to make his return this season, these right-handers will be looked to for pitching depth.

It is a tricky situation to evaluate, but when come to it, Souza can be an explosive hitter and is looking to play first base along with the corner outfields. He has had a few dips in his game thus far in spring training, but as one of the non-roster invites projected to make the opening day lineup, someone could be in danger of leaving the Astros.

There are a few names out there that could be on the brink of being traded or DFA’d in the near future, but a name like Garrett Stubbs shouldn’t be one of them. As the third catcher on the 40-man roster, the right-hander has become more versatile in the field, but a lack of at bats has hurt his resume. Korey Lee might be the catcher of the future, but his 40-man time should not be in the talks this season with Stubbs still having minor league options and MLB experience. If the Astros were to DFA Stubbs, there is a good chance he gets claimed and won’t make it to the minor leagues; meaning another prospect would have to move up faster in the case Jason Castro or Martin Maldonado were injured.

The Astros shouldn’t trade pitchers with minor league options, but they’ve done it this offseason, so don’t be shocked by what they do. Pitchers with options are needed, definitely in the bullpen, but this year, the surplus of experienced arms has been deemed more valuable.

Could infielder Robel Garcia be on the block again?

While not being widely known by Astros fans, Garcia was claimed off waivers in late February from the Los Angeles Angels, as infield depth for AAA. The right-hander has had a steady spring training with the ability to play the infield and some outfield. The power hitter has been claimed off waivers by a small group of teams since July of 2020, and by this history, he might not have too much trade value. The Astros are lacking experienced infield depth in their higher levels of the minor leagues, but they also have Freudis Nova and Jeremy Pena set to make their debuts either this season or in 2022.

The team is currently holding nine infielders on their 40-man roster spot with Abraham Toro being an extra utility infielder like Garcia would be. If he does succeed this spring, he will likely become the next Jack Mayfield but with power behind his swing. If not, he could be a player to give up his 40-man spot due to his inconsistencies at the plate. If he does make it through the designated for assignment process, he would end up back in the minor league system and still have options.

Could Andre Scrubb be traded to make room?

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While not making his ’21 spring training debut just yet, Andre Scrubb is battling a small leg issue. The right-hander is absolutely a force to be reckoned with, if he gets his walk rate down. While possibly being a reliable relief pitcher of the future, Scrubb still needs sometime to develop in the minor leagues and is projected to not make the 26-man roster by McTaggart. This isn’t an alarming thing; he just needs to work on control, before he is seen as an everyday major leaguer. By the looks of it, Ryne Stanek is the one taking his job to start the season, although having a rough career thus far.

DFAing someone like Scrubb is something we can only hope doesn’t happen, but if it does, he is another player to not last long on a waiver. While still having minor league options, Scrubb shouldn’t be let go or moved on at all, but if Souza is what James Click wants now, then there is a chance. Other pitchers like Brandon Bielak and Nivaldo Rodriguez, who are having notable springs, could be in the same boat as Scrubb. At 25-years-old, walks are the only thing holding the right-hander back from being an All-Star level relief pitcher.

It is overall a very tough situation to evaluate, if Souza were to make the 40-man roster. Currently, he is not hitting well, but has been taking reps at multiple positions. These three players might have trade value, but also could hit be in the spot of being DFA’d, if the Astros come to it. Chas McCormick is likely the fourth outfield of the future, but without any major league experience, it could be hard to throw that sort of job on someone at the beginning of the season.