St. Louis Cardinals first base Paul Goldschmidt. Tim Vizer-USA TODAY Sports

Insider reveals top Astros trade candidates after Jose Abreu's release

By Carly Wimer | Last updated Jun 15, 2024 1:03 PM ET

After an uncharacteristically slow start to the 2024 season, all signs pointed to the Astros being buyers at this year's trade deadline, with general manager Dana Brown looking to add a pitcher and another bat. But after releasing José Abreu, the Astros need an upgrade at first base.

Houston effectively admitted defeat on Abreu's signing — a three-year deal worth $58.5 million — with Friday's release. Once one of the top right-handed power hitters, the former MVP seemed like a major addition to the Astros' lineup when he was signed shortly after the 2022 World Series. But his production took a sharp turn when he arrived in Houston. After optioning the veteran first baseman to West Palm Beach to work on his swing, the Astros parted ways with Abreu, who they still owe more than $30 million.

As for who will replace the three-time All-Star, Brown said Jon Singleton will get the bulk of the starts at first base moving forward. Mauricio Dubón, who drew the start at first base on Friday, will also pick up a share of starts against left-handers. Brown told reporters on Friday that the Astros "want to get back to the postseason," adding the club's front office will "do what we need to do to make this thing work."

One way to do that is by trading for a first baseman with a power bat. Of the first basemen expected to be on the trade block, Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggests Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Paul Goldschmidt as the top trade candidates for the Astros.

Alonso and Goldschmidt are set to become free agents at the end of the year, but depending on the price tag, they could be worth being a half-season rental. Alonso is one of the best pure sluggers in baseball, and he's having a solid 2024 campaign, batting .235/.311/.452 with a .763 OPS and 14 homers. The 29-year-old has drawn interest from several clubs looking to upgrade their offense. Houston traded two top prospects to the Mets at the deadline last season to reacquire ace Justin Verlander and could trade for Alonso with the hope of re-signing him long-term.

Goldschmidt has gotten off to a slow start, but the 36-year-old can produce. In 2024, the 2022 NL MVP is batting .226/.299/.352 with a .654 OPS, eight homers and 27 RBI.

The Blue Jays have said that trading Guerrero "doesn't make sense," but with the 27-year-old slugger slated for free agency next season, trading him would go a long way toward fixing a bad farm system. Guerrero is slashing .278/.369/.403 with seven home runs and 30 RBI through 69 games this season. The three-time All-Star has a career .838 OPS and has the power to slug 25-30 home runs in a season. He may be the most expensive trade candidate, but he could be the best long-term addition for the Astros.

While Houston may not pursue a blockbuster first baseman trade, the Astros need a long-term solution. Acquiring any of these three players would be an excellent addition for an Astros team trying to get back into the playoff race.

Carly Wimer

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