Houston Astros rumors: 3 trade targets to replace Carlos Correa

1. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

I know what you’re saying–Ramirez is a third baseman, right? Yes, that’s where he was settled in for Cleveland over the last few seasons. But before that, albeit as a far younger player, he played some second base and shortstop.

Ramirez’s calling card is also not his defense. He’s coming another nice season offensively in 2021 (.893 OPS, 114 OPS+, 36 home runs, 103 RBI, 32 doubles, 27 stolen bases), with deeper metrics that suggest a drop-off isn’t coming just yet.

Ramirez is a solidly positive value defensively at third baseman, based on metrics like UZR, Defensive Runs Saved, etc. That is of course not a perfect translation for a possible move back to shortstop at 29 years old (30 in September), and it’s worth noting Alex Bregman is not a defensive stalwart at third base for Houston. But Houston would be going all-in on having one of the best left sides of the infield around (offensively anyway) by making a deal for Ramirez. At least for this year, with shifts possibly being banned in 2023, defensive shortcomings on the infield can be worked around.

For whatever it’s worth, the Guardians may not be all that inclined to trade Ramirez. But if the right offer came to them they’d presumably listen. While the Astros farm system is not what it once was, they could peel off a couple top prospects to make an offer that might get Cleveland’s attention.

Ramirez has two years of team control left, with Cleveland picking up his $12 million option for this year and a $14 million club option for 2023 (with a $2 million buyout). If that seems pretty inexpensive for a player of his caliber, you’re not wrong and the Astros have be at least considering the possibility of Ramirez as a replacement for Correa. He could also take over at third base, with Bregman moving to shortstop as he has done when Correa missed time.