Astros: 5 under-the-radar trade deadline candidates
By Drew Koch
In all likelihood, the Houston Astros will be sellers at the trade deadline. Who are some under-the-radar trade candidates the Astros might target?
The Houston Astros are off to great start this season. With a comfortable lead in the American League West and roster loaded with talent, the Astros looking to claim yet another division title in 2022.
But, with the Los Angeles Angels showing signs of life and the Texas Rangers finally playing better baseball of late, the Astros quest to win the AL West for the fourth time in five years may not be as easy as it’s been in the past.
Houston may need to acquire some players to help put their roster over the top. Rather than shelling out some top prospects for players like Frankie Montas or Nelson Cruz, maybe the Astros can target some under-the-radar trade candidates this summer. Let’s see if any of these five players would be a good fit.
Astros trade candidate: Anthony Bass could bolster the team’s bullpen.
Teams are always in need of additional arms in the bullpen, and the Houston Astros are no exception. While Ryne Stanek, Hector Neris, and Ryan Pressly have been fantastic for the Astros this season, adding another quality arm couldn’t hurt.
Anthony Bass has played for seven different teams over his 11-year career, but the right-hander just keeps on producing. Bass has made 20 appearances out of the Miami Marlins’ bullpen this season and owns a 2.18 ERA with 20 punch outs and only five walks.
Bass is in the final year of a two-year contract, but does have a team-option for the 2023 season. Miami seems adrift this season despite the additions of World Series MVP Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia.
Bass isn’t an elite closer and may not even be considered a high-leverage reliever, but the 34-year-old doesn’t walk many batters and could help bridge the gap between an Astros and the talented backend of Houston’s bullpen.