Some low-key reasons Astros could be players in the Juan Soto sweepstakes
SPORTSMAP QUICK HITS
18 July 2022
SPORTSMAP QUICK HITS
With news of Juan Soto turning down a monster contract with the Nationals for over $400 million, we discuss the possibility of the Astros trading for Soto before the trade deadline.
Plus, we discuss some scenarios that could play out for Houston if they make a blockbuster deal for Soto, and what the Nationals would have to receive to consider trading the young star to the Astros.
Finally, we discuss the Astros philosophy on signing players to long contracts, and question if Houston would be comfortable with Soto walking after his contract expires after the 2024 season.
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.