Astros Deadline Targets (Pitchers excluded)

Let me start by that I don't have any idea who the Astros will trade for if they make a trade at all, I'm just an Astros fan with too much time to kill. Below are some of the names being linked to the Astros that aren't pitchers, since there are a bunch of pitchers on the market.

MJ Melendez C for the Royals for Hunwn RHP prospect (Joe Fernandez – Fansided) – I think this is an interesting one, but I don't think it's likely since Maldy has been hitting well and Hunter Brown is a really great pitching prospect. If there's a "cheaper" prospect the Royals may like, id like to see MJ as the Astros designated hitting catcher.

Wilson Contrares C for the Cubs for literally anyone (almost every sportswriter speculating on the Astros) – Yeah literally all the articles about trade deadlines have Houston trying to get Contrares which is fair, but as stated previously Maldy has been hitting better and Contrares is likely going to cost quite a bit in terms of prospects or players if we were to outbid any of the other teams.

Nick Fortes C for the Marlins for Prospects – I know nothing about Nick Fortes, but a hitting catcher is a need. Also If I haven't seen people talking about him, maybe there's an opportunity to get him for cheap.

Josh Bell 1B for the Nationals (Every Sports Writer) – I don't really like this option tbh, Josh Bell is a great hitter and that is undeniable. Yet he isn't great in the postseason and would likely be costly as he is the top 1B on the market. I also will admit that I am a Yuli fanboy and adamantly believe that had he come over from Cuba earlier he would 100% be in the Hall of Fame by the end of his career. Unfortunately for me and Astros fans, he is 38 and is facing a decline as Yuli is currently below average in every hitting category. I still hope Yuli returns, but it's pure optimism.

Garrett Cooper 1B for the Marlins (Drew Koch- Fansided) – I'd really like it if we can get Garrett Cooper. He'd definitely be a bit pricey, but not as much as Bell. Cooper is having a great year at the plate. Admittedly part of the reason I like him as much as I do is that I'd love to take a former Yankee and beat the Janks with him as they've done with Marwin and Cole.

Trey Mancini 1B for the Orioles for Chayce McDermott, Peter Solomon, J.C. Correa (Zachary Hablinski – Fansided) – I don't have much to say about this one, but I wouldn't dislike Trey Mancini especially if we lose the prospects listed above (although Peter Solomon would be a loss). The issue is one that bringing in any new player for Yuli will cause. Will he fit with the team and get along as Yuli's possible replacement. Insert prior love for La Pina here.

Brandon Drury 3B for the Reds (David Hill – Fansided) – An interesting add as a utility piece since Alex Bregman heard everyone was talking s**t (looking at you Italk Studios, Screwston Farm remembers) and is back to being a consistent hitter with great defense. I am unsure of how expensive he would be, but if the price is right I wouldn't mind a Diaz upgrade despite the price.

Fun Fact: Alex Bregman is fluent in Spanish and has a solid Youtube Channel, below is my favorite video he's made so far.

— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbY0UXkq2Hk

Brad Miller OF/Utility for the Rangers (Drew Koch- Fansided) – He would probably be an upgrade, but he's also one of the guys we got the immaculate innings from so eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh maybe not.

Ben Gamel OF for the Pirates (Drew Koch – Fansided) – He's done his time with the Pirates, if McCormick, Brantley, and Siri get hurt I don't mind grabbing him depending on the cost. He deserves to see playoffs after playing with the Pirates.

A Center Fielder? (Buster Olney – Jake Asman on Youtube) – This idea is interesting to me, like many others on this sub believe that Jake "Rake" Myers is our guy at centerfield. Rake had power (which hasn't been as pronounced this season as he has come back from injury) but still has a good eye, speed, and good contact. I recently heard this while watching this youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvIVmadXmnc and thought it'd be weird for the Astros to try and grab an outfielder.