With the MLB trade deadline two weeks away, the Houston Astros will have plenty of work to do. They have needs in a few key areas on the roster, and could look to address those needs at the trade deadline.
For Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the only question for the Astros as the deadline approaches is simple: "Prioritize pitching or a left-handed bat during the trade deadline?" Rome's answer is a straightforward one; why not both?
"An Ideal outcome is the Astros acquiring both by the July 31 deadline," Rome writes, "But their paucity of prospect capital may force Houston's baseball operations department to hone its focus."
Even if it proves difficult to land both a starter and a lefty bat, the Astros should still make an effort to land both. With the rotation questions, outside of ace Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown, and the injury to Yordan Alvarez, the needs are clear.
Houston has the fewest at-bats from left-handed hitters. That's a major disadvantage come the postseason, as with a full righty lineup, teams could shy away from lefty starters, giving the Astros no platoon advantage.
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A left-handed hitter is a huge need, with the ideal lefty bat capable of playing in the outfield, second base, or, at worst, designated hitter.
For the pitcher addition, the Astros could use a third starter, with Lance McCullers Jr. sitting at a 6.48 ERA through ten starts, and the rest of the rotation being either subpar or on the injured list.
The way the roster is currently constructed, winning the World Series would prove difficult. Houston needs to add a lefty bat more than anything, and could also use another starter in a rotation that has dealt with injuries all season.
Rome views the ideal trade deadline outcome as Dana Brown and the Astros bringing home a left-handed hitter and a starting pitcher. It should be a busy deadline for the Astros, as they have two clear needs to address by the end of the deadline.
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