TRADE RUMORS SWIRLING
How crucial ingredients for an Astros-Yankees trade are quickly adding up
The Houston Astros have a big opportunity ahead of them, and they're looking for ways to improve the club with the trade deadline on the horizon. Astros GM Dana Brown has stated that trading some of the team's outfield depth for another major league player could be a tactic they employ.
In fact, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Yankees (who could use some outfield help with Judge injured) reached out to ask about Chas McCormick.
Via:The Athletic
"We’re exploring trading major-league player for major-league player with teams that are contending that make sense,” Brown said. “We have a lot of outfielders right now..."
The Yankees had previous interest in McCormick, according to major-league sources who were granted anonymity so they could speak candidly. McCormick’s opposite-field power would appear ideal for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. The teams, however, never got close on a deal.
First of all, who could blame any team for calling about Chas? The Astros still haven't fully committed to him in center field. Perhaps the Astros don't value him as much as other teams? Hey, it doesn't hurt to call.
But would the Astros entertain trading McCormick to the Yankees? Doubtful. Houston's top priority now is adding a starting pitcher. The Yankees have so many injuries to their rotation that a move like that wouldn't make sense for either party, so it stands to reason that a deal never got close.
Shipping off McCormick also would seriously impact the Astros depth. If they move Mauricio Dubon to center, their infield depth immediately takes a hit, and counting on Jake Meyers feels like a scary proposition. Plus, McCormick is one of the best hitters on a team that's struggling offensively (17th in team OPS).
So if not Chas, or a trade with the Yankees, would one of the Astros other outfielders provide any value in a trade? And which player would you rather see moved?
Don't miss the video above as we cover all the angles!
If you enjoy the videos, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel above.
Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.