Astros rumors: 3 trade deadline targets we should be scouting
By Tim Boyle
The Houston Astros look like one of the best baseball teams yet again in 2022 and should already be scouting these three potential trade deadline targets.
The Houston Astros have made some tremendous headway in FanSided’s MLB Power Rankings but more importantly in the American League standings. The team was slow to start this year but have come roaring back in recent weeks to give the Los Angeles Angels some competition.
Their offseason was relatively quiet by comparison to some previous winters with the most notable deal of all being the loss of shortstop Carlos Correa. Rookie Jeremy Peña has already impressed enough to leave fans saying “Carlos, who?”
Houston should remain an active participant at the trade deadline. Their position players went into action Monday with a combined 5.1 WAR, the best in baseball by a large margin. The St. Louis Cardinals began the day second at 4.3. Given this bit of positive statistical news, we can narrow down where the Astros should be scouting most for some midseason help. Pitching should be the main focus and these are the three players they should already be scouting.
1) Astros should already have a deal for Frankie Montas on their minds
Frankie Montas might be the best pitcher available in trades right now. While the Astros haven’t have gotten some solid production from their starting pitching staff, there is room for growth. As the case typically will be for any team hoping to win a championship, added a player to the rotation is often a must.
Montas has been discussed in trade rumors for practically every ball club looking to bolster their rotation. Whether it be because of injury, poor performance from the guys they do have, or a surprisingly strong start to 2022, nearly every team with a winning record should have Montas on their minds.
Houston is lucky too because they have several starting pitchers who still have minor league options. There is room for them to bring in a guy and demote a starter who is underperforming even if he isn’t performing terribly bad.
It’s important the Astros win the arms race with the Angels in the American League West. As we’ve seen plenty in the postseason, it’s pitching that wins. And despite Montas playing for the division rival Oakland Athletics, the right deal shouldn’t sway them from making a trade together.