The difference is: When Correa walked, the team was confident in Pena replacing him. When Springer walked, Tucker was just establishing himself as a star and Yordan was starting to play more OF. When Tucker leaves, 8 of the top 14 prospects in the system currently are OF. When Bregman walks they will need to spend money to replace him and it will still be a step down.
Astros get: OF George Springer IF Tucker Toman SS Josh Kasevich Blue Jays get: RP Rafael Montero UT Mauricio Dubon $6M Springer doesn’t make a ton of sense for Houston aside from his history with them. He is an expensive, declining player. But he would lengthen the lineup and could play corner OF giving some insurance for one year after Tucker leaves. If Toronto wants to dump his contract and is willing to give up a couple of good prospects then it makes sense if Crane is willing to go over the tax this season and next season. Then if Houston is rebuilding in 2026 then the hope would be that Springer is playing well enough to be a trade chip (even if Houston has to end up paying down that last season). Toman and Kasevich would be in Houston’s top 5 prospects and Kasevich might be #1.
When Correa walked the Astros knew Pena was going to be a big downgrade. So we have let players go in the past knowing they wouldn’t replace their production. Now - I think the difference is that they know they will be taking at least a step or two back for a few seasons after 2025. They won’t publicly admit most likely but they are doing everything to improve the farm system and they know that takes time. If they can cobble together a team that can be really good - they will but it isn’t a guarantee. It comes down to how much the organization values each season of elite competitiveness and Crane does quite a bit. If the Astros were less competitive, they could deal all of their players and end up with a lot of prospects - be terrible and rebuild the farm and hope to build a winner again. Instead they know what they have is rare and are trying to go for another title over the next year or two and let the cards fall where they may after that.
Astros have had a lot of discussions with: Tampa Rays about Lowe, Glasnow and Mead; St. Louis Cardinals about Contreras and outfielders; Blue Jays and White Sox.
Josh Lowe or Brandon? I'll guess Josh. Didn't they have interest in him in 2022? For the Jays, I take it it's still about Manoah? Who says no to a Jake Meyers for Monoah trade? Didn't the Jays check up on Meyers recently? Based on last season Astros will probably say no but if they feel they can fix Monaoh maybe it's worth the gamble??
When's the winter meeting? I want to see more names moved and signed....get some offfseason excitement going.
Of course they knew Pena would be a big downgrade but they had confidence in his floor as above a replacement SS The difference is nobody in the organization can provide that. Hopefully after 2024 Dezenzo or Wagner, or someone else takes that step. Maybe even just Kessinger for a season and Luciano steps up to big time prospect. But I think 3B is the single weakest position in the system if they absolutely had to replace the starter now.
It would not surprise me if he insisted Houston be on his no-trade clause. His priorities were #1 get out of Houston and #2 play close to home. He would be very unhappy if he was traded back to Houston.
Radio today ... this morning mlb radio believes it would start w Soto then Ohtani. And then Cease could take little more time. They think maybe soon. I don't put any faith in em though. But maybe something happens soon. And hopefully the Stros find a good match to make me, you and clutchfans super happy. There was one more in there I don't recall who...
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/astros-diamondbacks-interested-in-tucker-barnhart.html "Barnhart is still owed $3.25MM from the Cubs in 2024 thanks to his aforementioned two-year pact with the club. That means that he could be a particularly valuable depth option for clubs as he would only need to be paid the pro-rated big league minimum for any time spent on the 40-man roster next year, allowing a payroll-conscious organization to cover for an injury to their primary catching tandem on the cheap." Pretty much sums up the off-season I expect for the Astros...
