Astros Rumors: 3 last-minute trades Houston needs to make to win World Series

1. Astros juice offense with trade for Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt

The St. Louis Cardinals entered the season with an expensive lineup and lofty aspirations. Flash forward to the day before the trade deadline and the team is 13 games below .500, which puts them dead last in the NL Central. Even in the most winnable division in the league, all hope seems lost for the Cardinals.

John Mozeliak and the front office have already waved the white flag, dealing Jordan Montgomery to the Rangers and Jordan Hicks to the Blue Jays. One name everyone assumed was off the table is Paul Goldschmidt, but as the hours slip away ahead of Aug. 1, we’re learning that may not be the case.

According to Jake Mintz of MLB on FOX, the Cardinals are not shutting the door on trade offers for the reigning National League MVP. While it would take a mountainous trade package — one the Astros may struggle to formulate with such a weak farm system — Houston should at least check in and gauge St. Louis’ interest in what Houston has to offer.

Goldschmidt isn’t the lefty Houston desires, but he’s one of the best hitters in baseball. Dusty Baker can make it work. The Cardinals’ offense has been a torrent of failed expectations, but Goldy continues to produce: .280/.369/.467 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in 103 appearances. He won MVP last season and he’s a four-time Gold Glove winner at first base. The Astros would probably have to make subsequent moves — perhaps involving current first baseman Jose Abreu — but Goldschmidt is the great white whale. Any team with half an interest in winning should at least show interest.