Houston Astros Have ‘Perfect’ Trade, But Below-Average Farm System Is Problematic

The Houston Astros have been on a roll in recent weeks, going 9-1 in their last 10 games. Just 3.0 games out of first place in the American League West, the Astros are in a great position to win the division despite a mediocre start to the year.

It’s a true indication of the type of ballclub this is. Even though nothing went as planned due to injuries, coaching changes and poor play, Houston bounced back, as they have done many times over the last decade.

Dana Brown has said multiple times that he has no intention of selling, but with the way this team has played over the past month, it’s all but confirmed that they will be buyers.

There is one problem, however: the Astros’ draft system isn’t the best, so trying to pull off a blockbuster trade for a top player would be extremely difficult.

It’s a buyer’s market because of the third wild card spot, meaning there will be more teams looking to buy than usual.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield listed each team’s targets, citing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for Houston. Guerrero has been a rumored target in recent weeks, but Schoenfield isn’t sure they have enough players to make a deal.

“The Astros are the perfect fit for the needs: They’re last in the major leagues in OPS at first base and Jonathan Singleton isn’t the answer to replace Jose Abreu. The Astros also overcame a 10-game deficit to put some pressure on Seattle in the AL West race.

“Their problem is they have one of the weakest systems in the major leagues. Outfielder Jacob Melton was ranked 39th in Kiley’s May update, but his Double-A stats are nothing special. Brice Matthews, the team’s first-round pick last year, has reached Double-A and looks interesting.”

Never say never, but the Astros are lacking in this area.

If they have enough players to sign the three-time All-Star, he would be the best possible addition to this roster. First base has been a problem all season, and signing a .297/.375/.471 hitter would solve that problem.

Guerrero has hit 13 homers this year and at least 26 in each of the last three campaigns.

He has flaws as a defender, but with the way he swings the bat, those flaws don’t hurt too much.