What will the Houston Astros do at the trade deadline?
The Houston Astros are inevitable.
Even after losing two franchise cornerstones in Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman this winter, the Astros have steamrolled their way to a 56-40 record, the second-best mark in the American League, at the All-Star break.
That's not to say this team is without its flaws, though. On the contrary, adding one more outfield bat to the lineup could be how these Astros separate themselves from the pack and get back to the World Series after back-to-back years of playoff disappointment.
One baseball writer thinks the Baltimore Orioles could the the team the Astros call upon.
On Monday, Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicted that the Astros would trade for former All-Star center fielder Cedric Mullins from the last-place Orioles.
"With (Yordan Alvarez) sidelined, the Houston Astros have desperately needed a left-handed hitter who can play the outfield. Cedric Mullins is the best and most realistic option available at the MLB trade deadline," Johnson wrote.
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"In a contract year, Mullins has a .411 slugging percentage with 13 home runs and 41 RBI in 275 at-bats this season. While he won’t get on base much, Mullins’ power and his success versus southpaws (.839 OPS) make him an ideal option for Houston."
Mullins is a free agent to be, and he makes a very reasonable $8.7 million this year. He can play solid center field defense (if you go by outs above average, not defensive runs saved), which means he could likely shift to a corner and be well above average.
Will the Astros bring Mullins to Houston? By Jul. 31 at 6 p.m. EST, we'll know the answer.
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Category: Baseball
