The Houston Astros need to add a left-handed bat to their lineup, and the Texas Rangers have the perfect option for them. Josh Smith is a solid utility player who can play almost any position on the diamond. Jose Altuve is better-suited for the outfield at this stage of his career, which would make a Smith acquisition a savvy move, according to Jim Bowden, via The Athletic.
Smith primarily plays on the left side at shortstop, third base, or the outfield. However, he hasn't missed a beat in any of the situations the Rangers have put him in, which makes it easy to believe he'd find a way to get comfortable at second base.
Smith has come a long way from the 2023 season when he batted just .185 and didn't get a plate appearance in the postseason run. It motivated the second-year player to redefine his game, leading to him batting .258/.337/.394 in 2024 and winning the Silver Slugger Award for the utility position.
It's never easy to trade within the division, especially when it's an In-State rival who has been dominating the American League for years. The Astros would have to pay a premium to pry Smith away from the Rangers, but it might be a case where it's worth it.
Moving Altuve to left field in place of Jacob Melton, who currently sits near the bottom of the order, and adding Smith to this already daunting lineup could be the move that puts Houston over the top and helps them contend with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers.