3 trades Astros need to make after losing in ALCS

The Houston Astros need to rework their roster to contend in 2020.

The nightmare scenario that 29 other MLB fanbases envisioned in 2020 failed to come to light, as the Houston Astros’ championship run fizzled out in seven games as Randy Arozarena and the Tampa Bay Rays won the ALCS, taking home just the second pennant in franchise history. While Houston might’ve had the talent advantage, Tampa Bay was able to fight and claw their way to four wins in this series.

The Astros can’t be content with running it back in 2021, as this roster was under .500 in the regular season before catching fire in the playoffs. These three trades, however, could make the Astros contenders once again by plugging up their biggest holes.

3. Add an outfielder if George Springer walks

The Astros have done a good job of locking up most of their core with big contracts, but Springer appears destined for the open market. While he will be 31 for the majority of the 2020 season, Springer proved he could hit just as effectively without the aid of a trash can, slamming 14 home runs and posting a 140 OPS+ in 51 games. While Kyle Tucker has finally earned himself a starting spot, questions about Michael Brantley’s ability to patrol the field for a full 162 games could prompt Dusty Baker and James Click to look for a better alternative in the trade market.

While it’s too early for the Astros and their fans to concede that Springer is a lost cause, they do need to make some sort of backup plan should Springer decide to leave Houston. Even if he does return, the Astros could look to phase out Josh Reddick in right field. With a farm system that isn’t the deepest in the world, but still is in possession of some quality top prospects that would fetch quite a nice return in a potential trade that helps Houston minimize the offensive blowback that comes with letting Springer walk.