The Houston Astros are looking to add a left-handed hitter to the lineup in some capacity, and with the infield logjam and a few other spots locked up, they might have to get creative.
One of the ways they could do so is by trading one of their players to free up a spot and acquire a left-handed hitter to replace them. Most of the lineup can't be used in such an exchange, but there is one player who'd be a great option.
According to MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Astros are seeing trade interest in outfielder Jake Meyers pick up. With a few teams expressing interest, the right-handed-hitting outfielder could be dealt this winter.
Astros' Jake Meyers drawing trade interest
"Few quality center fielders are available in either free agency or trade, triggering interest in players who might be pried loose from other clubs." Rosenthal and Woo write. "The Houston Astros' Jake Meyers, coming off a modest offensive breakout last season, is one such player."
The Astros are open to trading Meyers this winter, reportedly looking for "a controllable major-league starter, according to people briefed on their discussions, Rosenthal and Woo report.
Meyers is turning 30 years old and is expected to draw considerable trade interest. Woo and Rosenthal tab the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Tampa Bay Rays as three teams who could use Meyers as their center field upgrade.
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The Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Kansas City Royals are also looking for outfield upgrades, and Meyers might be the best option on the table for all six of these teams.
Playing only 104 games due to injury, Meyers hit.292 with a.727 OPS. He's not a power hitter, though he provides quality defense and good contact skills.
But, his previous inconsistencies - a.228 average and.662 OPS in his previous 1,200 plate appearances before this season - could make some interested teams apprehensive about spending premium assets on Meyers.
Regardless, the Astros center fielder is drawing considerable trade interest and could be shipped off to a new club this winter. With Zach Cole and Jacob Melton in reserve, the Astros have plenty of reason to be open to a Meyers trade this offseason.
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