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MLB Trade Deadline 2016: Winners and losers

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) hits a two run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) hits a two run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) celebrates with right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) after scoring a run against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) celebrates with right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) after scoring a run against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Houston Astros

Sometimes, the teams who don’t do anything at the MLB Trade Deadline can be head-scratchers. This was the case with the Houston Astros.

The Astros sat back and saw the Texas Rangers get better on Monday. They did this by dealing for Jonathan Lucroy, arguably the best bat available, Carlos Beltran, and Jeremy Jeffress. While quality prospects were moved in these deals, they pulled this off by not hurting their current 25-man roster.

As for the Astros, they didn’t do anything except move Scott Feldman.

The argument can be made that Houston actually did something by signing Yulieski Gurriel and calling up top prospect Alex Bregman. However, the Astros have no idea what they’re going to get out of either player in the near future. While that’s the case with prospects, they can’t be expected to be major producers, especially for a team trying to contend.

The Astros would have been better off going after a polished bat. They have one player batting over .267 in Jose Altuve, who sports a .356 batting average. The rest of the lineup is young with potential, but all of them continue to strike out at high rates. A rental veteran bat that could step in would have been ideal, like a Carlos Beltran from the Yankees (deja vu from 2004). He could have been put into the designated hitter role while Evan Gattis catches. A worst case scenario is biting the bullet and putting Beltran in a corner outfield spot. It’s not ideal, but for his bat, it may have been worth it.

There is the waiver deadline for the Astros to make a move or two, though. However, their best bet is to stay hopeful from within at this point, and that means relying on players who may not be ready. It’s a dangerous move for a team trying to contend.

Next: New York Yankees

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