Astros could use Philly’s desire to shake things up to find present and future value

A switch-up in the front office and coaching staff sometimes signifies the beginning of a rebuild in most sports, but not for the Houston Astros. With star players still in the middle of their primes and aging veterans under guaranteed contracts, the team is still in win-now mode, and their moves this offseason need to reflect that.

The Astros outfield is going to be one of the most important units needing upgrades this offseason. Cam Smith is still developing and deserves his playing time in right field, but center and left field need upgrades this offseason. Dalton Varsho is a free agent and Jake Meyers was DFA'd, leaving a gaping hole in the most important outfield position; having a regular left fielder they can rely on will help to keep Yordan Alvarez out of the field.

A recent report out of the GM Meetings may have given the Astros a perfect trade partner. One that can not only provide a short-term fix in the outfield, but also help replenish a farm system that has consistently ranked at the bottom of MLB Pipeline's rankings.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies are looking to shake up their roster this offseason. They have put star shortstop Trey Turner and outfielder Brandon Marsh on the trade block as they look for upgrades at third base and in the outfield. That report should have new GM Randy Flores picking up the phone and calling Dave Dombrowski.

The Astros should use their infield surplus to their advantage this offseason

The Astros have too many infielders at the moment. With Christian Walker and Jose Altuve on the right side and Jeremy Peña and Carlos Correa on the left, they have been trying to force Isaac Paredes in. Paredes is a natural third baseman who has one year of team control remaining and could be a perfect swap for Brandon Marsh.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, teams do not seem overly eager to trade prospects for players with one year of team control remaining due to a potential change when players enter free agency under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. They do seem willing to swap players with one year remaining, though. Marsh also has one year remaining until he reaches free agency (under the current system), opening the door for this trade.

Marsh played primarily left field for the Phillies this season, but in 2024 and '25, he split time between left and center, which would be perfect to keep options open for another outfielder this offseason. He is seen as one of the better change-of-scenery candidates this offseason, after a rough season in 2026 where he had a 0.4 bWAR, but multiple 3+ WAR seasons in the past.

With Marsh coming off a down season, the Astros should also be asking for a sweetener in the deal. Paredes is coming off a 4.1 bWAR season in which he had 25 home runs and almost 100 RBIs. While Marsh has been declining, Paredes has been thriving. Houston should be looking for a decent prospect if Philly really wants to make the deal work.

Houston needs to address their outfield this offseason. Brandon Marsh has the talent to be an above-average outfielder for them next season, with the Astros still looking for one last hurrah before they need to rebuild. Even coming off a great season, Paredes is surplus, and utilizing him to upgrade their outfield and nab a prospect in the process should be all Randy Flores needs to pull the trigger on this deal.

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