The Houston Astros have gotten off to a dreadful start. After narrowly missing the postseason last year, the Astros are 16-25 and tied for the Los Angeles Angels for the worst record in the American League.
This could potentially lead to them selling some pieces off if they cannot get back into contention. The team has made the postseason nine times in the last 11 years, but it’s looking like their run of success has come to an end.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today lists Houston as a potential seller to watch at the deadline, and even had Yordan Alvarez as a potential piece of interest for contenders.
“They’ve been hammered with injuries and a battered pitching staff, but if their fate doesn’t turn around in two months, they could be forced to be sellers at the trade deadline for the first time in a decade,” Nightengale wrote.
“If that happens, the buzzards will be circling, with teams asking what it will take to pry away first baseman Christian Walker, all-world closer Josh Hader, All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena, third baseman Isaac Paredes and yes, even DH Yordan Alvarez.”
Yordan Alvarez Named Possible Trade Candidate
Alvarez has two years of club control remaining after the 2026 season. He is having one of the best years of his career, hitting .318/.422/.642 with 13 home runs, 29 RBI and a 1.065 OPS to start the season. He is also a former Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star.
One executive even believes the Astros could get a lot for the veteran slugger.
“If they traded him, I think they’d get a better package than what the Nationals got for Juan Soto,” the executive said.
His two years of control beyond 2026 make him a very attractive trade chip and could ultimately lead to the Astros bringing back a haul for him. It’s clear that their run of success has come to an end and that it is now time to focus on the future.
No matter the chances of an Alvarez deal actually happening, the Astros would be wise to at least listen and try to capitalize on his value. It may never be as high as it is right now, and making this type of trade could set the Astros up well for the future and make for a very quick turnaround.
He may be the centerpiece of the club, but the future might need to be prioritized in these next few months leading up to the deadline.
Will Astros Actually Trade Alvarez?
Nightengale notes that a trade of Alvarez is highly unlikely. Still, there will likely be a lot of contending teams that show interest in Alvarez, and the price will be high. There might just be a contender willing to meet that asking price for the Astros and give them what they want to build for the future.
It will be interesting to see if Alvarez is actually dealt away. He is the centerpiece of the Astros, but they may not be able to keep him after the 2028 season when he hits free agency.
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