Trade For $10.9 Million ‘Dream Target’ Can Renew Astros Dynasty
The Houston Astros have made the playoffs for seven years straight, including an improbable trip to the American League Championship Series last year to cap off a season still mired in doubt as late as September. Despite that resilience, this year’s edition had been all but counted out of postseason contention (I raised some questions myself) as they opened to a losing record.
But things changed in Houston after the team surged to a 17-8 record in June and they now sit just two games behind the Seattle Mariners for the lead in the American League West. With the trade deadline just a few weeks away, the Astros have placed themselves in a position to add, with one of the most tantalizing prospective trade assets firmly in their sights.
“The Astros, now a clear threat to win the West yet again, seek a starter (or two) and a hitter (possibly a 1B if it’s a clear upgrade),” according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. “The dream target is thought to be Diamondbacks 1B Christian Walker, a free agent to be.”
Walker is certainly an addition that can help propel the Astros back into World Series contention, renewing the most productive dynasty in recent MLB history just as it seemed well and truly dead.
To open the year, first base was manned by $58.5 million veteran Jose Abreau, but his struggles saw him optioned to the minors in May, then released in June. Jon Singleton, Mauricio Dubón and Joey Loperfido have since shared the role, but the potential to slot in an everyday slugger is appealing.
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Walker is earning $10.9 million in his final season of arbitration, suggesting he could be dealt by the Diamondbacks if the front office prefers some kind of future return over his potential contributions for the rest of this season. The Diamondbacks currently sit at .500, two games out of a Wild Card spot and more than nine games out of the lead for the competitive National League West division.