Fansided

Astros: 5 players who won’t be on the roster by August 1

By Zach Pressnell

Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros high fives Jose Abreu #79 after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on April 14, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros high fives Jose Abreu #79 after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on April 14, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Jun 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly (55) is congratulated by Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after the final out against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly (55) is congratulated by Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after the final out against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

The Astros are at risk to not win the AL West this year. They’re going to need to part ways with these players if they want to take it from the Rangers.

The Houston Astros have seen a bit of a regression from their 2022 World Series team to their second place in the AL West 2023 team. The Astros sit multiple games behind the Texas Rangers for first place in their division. This kind of struggle should prompt the Astros to be mighty active during the trade deadline.

But, with trade deadline acquisitions, especially as many as the Astros may make, some players will lose their roster spots. This Houston roster may look a lot different on August first than it does right now. But which players could see themselves replaced before the 2023 trade deadline?

Astros rumors: Martin Maldonado’s days are numbered in an Astros uniform

This may surprise some fans as Martin Maldonado has been a part of the Astros lineup for the better part of the last four years. And he hasn’t ever been an offensive threat for the most part, usually hitting under .200. He has continued that offensive struggle this year, but there is a big key difference between those last few years and this year. The players around Maldonado haven’t picked up the slack and the Astros have struggled as a result.

While catcher is seen as a defensive first position, the Astros are going to need a catcher that can do both if they want to make a push at the division. Maldonado is slashing .177/.261/.290 with a near career low .551 OPS. He simply isn’t carrying his weight on offense and the Astros don’t have the same healthy bats in the lineup to pick up the load.

There are a few options for the Astros. All of them result in acquiring a catcher in a trade deadline deal. Maldonado may still have a place on the Astros roster, depending on if he is able to continue to prove his value to the pitching staff. Though this is the least likely player to lose his spot on this list, Maldonado could be designated for assignment or traded to a potential contender looking for catching depth.

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