The Astros have been linked to Josh Bell a number of occasions in latest days, however the Nationals first baseman isn’t the one rental bat on Houston’s radar. Jeff Passan of ESPN studies that the Astros have been in touch with the Cubs about catcher Willson Contreras.
Extra broadly, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic wrote this morning that Houston is trying into methods so as to add to the catching corps earlier than subsequent Tuesday’s commerce deadline. The Astros have been with out veteran backup Jason Castro for practically a month, and supervisor Dusty Baker indicated over the weekend that Castro wasn’t progressing as hoped (via team field reporter Julia Morales). That has left the membership counting on rookie Korey Lee to again up Martín Maldonado. Lee is among the higher prospects within the Houston farm system, however he’s struggled this yr in his first prolonged crack at Triple-A.
In fact, there are myriad methods through which the Houston entrance workplace may handle the catching group. In the event that they’re dedicated to retaining Maldonado as the first backstop, then a veteran depth choice within the Tucker Barnhart mould may suffice. The Tigers would definitely be open to transferring the approaching free agent for a minimal prospect return.
Contreras, however, would require sending vital expertise again to Chicago. He’s a digital lock to alter uniforms throughout the subsequent week. As a result of MLB and the Gamers Affiliation didn’t agree to a global draft, the qualifying provide system without spending a dime brokers is about to stay in place. The Cubs may theoretically maintain Contreras and recoup a draft choose as soon as he indicators elsewhere subsequent winter, however they’re far likelier to land a extra helpful return through commerce.
Maldonado, who has began 70 of Houston’s 97 video games behind the plate, is beloved within the clubhouse for his administration of the pitching workers. He’s by no means been a superb hitter, although, and his .237 on-base share is the fifth-lowest mark amongst 260 hitters with 200+ plate appearances on the season. Maldonado has additionally rated as a below-average pitch framer and general defender within the eyes of public metrics this season. The Astros clearly imagine he brings immense intangible worth, however there’s room on paper for an improve.
In fact, if the Astros wish to hold Maldonado behind the plate, they may make room for Contreras’ bat at different positions. The Cubs backstop has lengthy been thought to be a bat-first catcher. He’s made strides from a pitch framing perspective in latest seasons, enhancing from one of many league’s worst-rated framers to roughly common in that regard. Passan notes, nevertheless, that some contenders have expressed concern about Contreras’ capacity to handle a brand new pitching workers shortly — not an unusual chorus for catchers who’re dealt midseason. Contreras is proficient sufficient a hitter than an buying workforce may plug him in additional regularly at first base and/or designated hitter than at catcher for the season’s ultimate few months whereas nonetheless upgrading their offense.
Houston has Yordan Álvarez at DH, though he’s seen sporadic time in left discipline as nicely. The clearer path for an offensive improve is at first base, the place Yuli Gurriel has a disappointing .234/.287/.384 season line. Bell could be a extra apparent direct alternative for Gurriel, nevertheless it’s not out of the query groups may eye Contreras — proprietor of a career-best .258/.373/.470 slash — as an choice to rotate between DH, first base and catcher somewhat than as a full-time backstop.
The Astros aren’t the one workforce in touch with the Cubs about Contreras, in fact. The Mets have been tied to him for a number of weeks, and each Passan and Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated recommend at present he stays a viable goal for New York. Ragazzo studies that New York and the Cubs have mentioned commerce frameworks involving Contreras and Cubs nearer David Robertson in a package deal deal that may ship a number of prospects again to Chicago. Ragazzo provides that Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty — the highest two prospects within the system in Baseball America’s most recent Prime 100 — could be off the desk. The one different Mets farmhand to make BA’s high 100 is outfielder Alex Ramirez, however gamers like Matt Allan, Ronny Mauricio and Mark Vientos have been within the latest Prime 100 combine for varied prospect retailers.
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