Astros: Outfield Trade Targets That Aren’t Discussed Enough

There are some outfielders that aren’t being talked about as much in trade rumors, but they would be just as impactful for the Astros to acquire.

The Houston Astros have been in pursuit of an outfielder for weeks, and due to Juan Soto’s high price tag, here are some that should be on their radar that haven’t been talked about as much by the fans.

Since playoff expansion was implemented, more teams are vying for a chance at contending, making fewer players available.  One such team is the Baltimore Orioles, who went on a July tear and got themselves within 5 games of second-place Toronto in the standings. Their hot streak could very well have changed them from sellers to buyers, but I can’t see them catching the Blue Jays, who are currently hottest team in baseball.

As a result, Austin Hays or Anthony Santander are great trade targets for the Astros in left field.  Santander has 17 home runs with 51 RBI and is slashing .242/.327/.433 with a .760 OPS, meaning he would add more power hitting at the outfield positions. Austin Hays would similarly send a power surge to left field, as he has 12 home runs and 47 RBI while slashing .266/.322/.444 with a .766 OPS.

The Colorado Rockies are another team that could go both ways at the deadline, as they previously stated that they wouldn’t be sellers but then contradicted that more recently by signaling that first baseman CJ Cron could be up for sale. If the Rockies are willing to part ways with Cron then they also might be willing to deal RF/DH Charlie Blackmon.

Blackmon is a seasoned veteran who was born in Texas, which might give the Astros an edge as a trade target. He would add another lefty bat to the lineup and he has hit 15 home runs and driven in 58 while slashing .274/.324/.472 with a .796 OPS.  He has a player option for 2023 but his contract is up after that, and he could do well playing in right field whenever Kyle Tucker DHs (and vice versa).

Blackmon’s splits between home and away are similar, which is a good sign that he doesn’t rely on the notorious Coors Field to be a good hitter. His batting average is lower away from Colorado, but 7 of his 15 home runs and 27 of his 51 RBI have come on the road. The only holdup for Blackmon would be the fact that his entire career has been spent in Colorado and he is a fan favorite there, which makes it possible that he might turn down his expensive player option this winter for a chance to sign back with the Rockies in the event of a trade.

Meanwhile, Bryan Reynolds is a younger and more dynamic outfielder that has been rumored to be a trade target of the Yankees, and the Astros could certainly throw their hat in the ring. The Pirates are asking for a lot for the 27 year old centerfielder who is under contract through next year and beyond. Reynolds has 15 home runs and 32 RBI while slashing .257/.339/.459 with an OPS of .798.  He would be a great add, and his breakout 2021 season saw him hit .302 with 24 home runs and 90 RB, which put him on the map as an elite center fielder. He could easily fill in at either the second spot in the lineup or in the seven or eight hole, depending on what else the Astros do at the deadline.