After a disappointing Wild Card exit, the Houston Astros are now facing significant roster challenges this offseason. With the likely departures of fan favorite Alex Bregman and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, the team needs to address these gaps to remain competitive. One of their most pressing concerns is first base, where a major void has emerged.
Here are three potential trades that could not only fill key roster spots but also inject new talent into the Astros’ lineup. Given that their farm system is ranked as the worst in baseball, the Astros will need to look for external talent through trades. While in-division deals are rare, meaning players from the A’s, Rangers, Angels, and Mariners are off the table, there are still plenty of under-the-radar trade options available to help strengthen the team.
Targeting Yandy Díaz from the Rays
With the anticipated departure of Alex Bregman creating a significant gap at third base, Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Díaz stands out as an ideal replacement, particularly given his stellar 2024 season. Díaz showcased his consistency at the plate, recording a .281 batting average and a .341 on-base percentage, supported by his excellent plate discipline. His power metrics were equally impressive, with a slugging percentage that paired well with his ability to reach base regularly. His 2023 season was a career highlight, where he slashed .330/.410/.522, earned an All-Star selection, won a Silver Slugger, and finished 6th in the American League MVP voting.
To acquire Díaz, the Astros could propose a trade involving Rhett Kouba, a promising right-handed pitcher who is approaching MLB readiness at Triple-A, along with Chase Jaworsky, a versatile infielder from Single-A who shows potential both offensively and defensively. This deal would give the Rays a pair of young talents that align with their development-focused strategy, while the Astros would land a high-OBP player capable of filling the void left by Bregman.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand
With the departure of José Abreu, the Astros have struggled to find a reliable option at first base. Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds could be the perfect solution to fill this void. Although his 2024 season was underwhelming, with a slash line of .190/.220/.293 that might raise concerns among Astros fans, his underlying potential is something to be excited about.
Encarnacion-Strand’s minor league track record speaks volumes. Over 211 games from 2022-2023, he slashed an impressive .322/.386/.604 while launching 56 home runs. His raw power is exceptional, and if properly developed, he could become a potent force in the Astros’ lineup, complementing sluggers like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez.
A possible trade for Encarnacion-Strand could see the Astros sending Zach Cole, a talented outfielder in Double-A, along with Nick Hernandez, a dependable bullpen arm, and Forrest Whitley, a former top prospect who might benefit from a change of scenery. This package would provide the Reds with both immediate and future value, while the Astros would gain a potential power hitter to solidify their first base position.
Freddy Peralta
With Justin Verlander’s potential retirement looming, the Astros face a critical challenge in maintaining the strength of their starting rotation. Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers emerges as an ideal target to help fill that void. Despite a tough 2024 season, Peralta continued to demonstrate his effectiveness, striking out 200 batters over 173.2 innings while maintaining a solid 3.68 ERA. His ability to generate strikeouts and handle a significant workload would be a valuable asset to the Astros, especially as they deal with injury concerns and depth issues in the rotation.
Peralta broke out for the Brewers in 2023, earning an All-Star nod that year. Over the past three seasons, he has been remarkably consistent, offering electric stuff and reliability. For a team like the Astros, which remains in “win now” mode, adding a proven veteran like Peralta would greatly stabilize the rotation.
To acquire Peralta, the Astros could offer a trade package centered around Pedro Leon, an exciting outfield prospect with power and speed, and Trey Dombroski, a promising left-handed pitcher developing well in Double-A. The inclusion of cash considerations could make the deal even more appealing for the Brewers, helping to balance the financial aspects while securing a vital piece for Houston’s pitching staff.
In addition to targeting Peralta, the Astros could shore up other areas of need through trades for Yandy Díaz and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Díaz would provide stability at third base following Alex Bregman’s expected departure, offering both defensive dependability and offensive production. Encarnacion-Strand could fill the void at first base, adding much-needed power to the lineup.
Together, these strategic moves would position the Astros to remain competitive in the American League. Each player offers a blend of youth and experience, aligning well with the current roster while addressing critical gaps. As Houston looks to bounce back from their playoff disappointment, these acquisitions would signal a strong commitment to contending for championships in 2025 and beyond.
