Astros must trade for Anthony Volpe after brutal Carlos Correa injury news

It came as a harsh reality when the Houston Astros learned of Carlos Correa being done for the season. And their playoff chances took a big hit. However, all hope is not lost. And the Astrons must trade for Anthony Volpe after the brutal injury news for Correa.

The Astros lost their shortstop to an ankle injury, which put a hole in their lineup and raised defensive concerns. However, they could soften the blow by checking in with the Yankees about the availability of Volpe.

To be certain, Volpe isn’t a solve-all addition. He brings his share of statistical baggage with him. And he doesn’t have the promise of a guy like the Nationals’ CJ Abrams. But he won’t cost nearly as much as Abrams, either.

Astros need to make a deal for Yankees SS Anthony Volpe

It wasn’t long ago that the Yankees saw Volpe as their shortstop for the next decade. But the offensive numbers simply didn’t hold up.

Over three seasons, Volpe managed only a .222 batting average. And his on-base percentage hurt the team as well, peaking at .293 in 2024 and dropping to .272 last season. Those are ugly numbers.

But one thing Volpe brings to the table is pop at the plate. He hit 21 homers as a rookie in 2023 and added 19 more last year. He also has good speed, swiping 70 bases over three years while getting caught 20 times.

Plus, Volpe is still young at 25 years old. He’s pining away in Triple-A and probably wouldn’t mind an organization change to get back in the bigs. In 14 minor-league games, Volpe’s on-base percentage is a respectable .333 with a homer and six RBIs.

Volpe was supposed to be on a minor-league rehab assignment, but his stay was extended in a surprise move. Big-league depth played a role, according to The Athletic.

“The fact is we’re probably as deep as we’ve ever been,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “And we have real competition for real spots and real roles on the team that we haven’t had at some moments in time, at some portions of seasons. The reality is we have a lot of really good players competing for roles.”

Is the Yankees’ problem the Astros’ solution?

Of course, Volpe couldn’t slide into the Astros’ leadoff spot. Correa was batting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in that role. But Volpe could replace a spot lower in the order when things get shifted around.

The Astros are hurting with the loss of Correa, according to ESPN. And they need a major-league replacement.

“It’s a gut punch, but it’s not the end of the world,” general manager Dana Brown said of Correa’s injury. “We still have a very competitive team. Thank God we have the depth still in the infield, particularly when Jeremy (Pena) comes back. And so, the team is still built to win, no doubt about it.”

Correa said the past few days haven’t been easy.

“Very tough,” Correa said. “Not what I was expecting, but now it’s time to deal with it, face it head-on, and focus on the rehab.”

Pena could move into the lineup as the Astros’ third baseman when he returns from his injury.

It’s not the perfect solution for the Astros. But this is a time to make things work with what you have. Yes, the Astros are in fourth place with a record of 15-22. But the AL West looks like one of MLB’s worst divisions. The first-place Athletics are a paper tiger and won’t hold up for the long haul. There’s plenty of time to make a move.

What would the Astros have to give up for Volpe?

The Yankees wouldn’t give him away. That means the Astros might have to part with rookie-league shortstop Albert Fermin. He’s only 17 years old, but has plus skills, according to MLB.com.

“A switch-hitter who’s more advanced from the left side because he has gotten more at-bats there, Fermin has advanced feel for contact,” MLB wrote. He already shows some ability to recognize pitches and control the strike zone, and he hits the ball harder than most 17-year-olds. Once he fills out and learns to elevate balls, he could develop plus raw power and provide 20 or more homers per season.”