MLB Insider Suggests Realistic But Impactful Target to Upgrade 1B Instead of Pete Alonso

The Houston Astros badly need to improve production at first base before the July 30 MLB trade deadline and a league insider offered a realistic goal that wouldn’t cost much and could be a great help in the long run.

Heading into MLB games today, the Astros are still going through what has been a frustrating 2024 season. Although they sit in second place in a tough American League West, they are seven games under .500 and 10 games behind the division leaders, the Seattle Mariners. However, the organization is still hoping for a turnaround.

Also Read: Houston Astros Game Today – TV Schedule, Channel, Stats and Astros 2024 Schedule

This week, Sporty asked USA Today MLB insider Bob Nigtengale if Houston could wave the white flag and potentially be a seller before the July 30 MLB trade deadline. However, he thinks the team should dig even deeper before considering such a strategy.

“I think they want to become buyers,” Nightengale said. “I think they think we’ll have (Framber) Valdez and (Justin’ Verlander in the playoffs. You’ll get (Lance) McCullers back, let’s see what happens. I don’t see them selling. I think they would .Gotta take a big free fall…I think they’ll continue to go for that thing, knowing that if you get hot in the playoffs, anything can happen.

So if the Astros intend to be buyers in the coming weeks, all indications are that upgrading first base will be a top priority. The production at the position has been among the worst in the league, and that was before they severed ties with former AL MVP Jose Abreu last week. While the team has been linked to a potential trade for New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, Nightengale believes there is a more reasonable option in the same division.

“They need a first baseman. First base production is second worst (behind) the Rockies in all of baseball. I just don’t know if they would give up a major prospect to go get Alonso,” Nightengale said. “I’m sure the Mets will ask for a lot, knowing that everyone needs home run hitters. He would be a perfect type of (professional) candidate.

Also Read: MLB Insider Offers Key Update on Houston Astros GM’s Job Security During Disappointing Season

“Maybe they go cheaper and say you know what, we can get a Josh Bell almost for free from the Marlins. Making $16 million, if we get the rest of his salary, they’ll probably give it to us.

Although Bell is a far cry from his former 2019 All-Star, he remains a solid threat in any lineup while also providing competent defense at first base. He has a solid .240/.307/.369 slash line this season and still provides a power threat. He hit 22 home runs last season and earned Silver Slugger honors in 2022.