Astros could have perfect match waiting on trade market

If the Houston Astros want to acquire a first baseman ahead of the trade deadline there’s an obvious fit over in Washington.

The Astros are rolling this season with a roster performing at just about every level. That doesn’t mean they won’t make moves to set up an even better chance at winning the World Series.

With the Aug. 2 trade deadline quickly approaching, the clock is ticking on making a deal happen.

If Houston wanted to get aggressive, there’s an obvious target on the market.

Astros could have perfect match waiting on trade market

According to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray on the Baseball Insiders podcast, the Astros are hoping to add a catcher and a first baseman before the trade deadline.

As luck would have it, the Nationals may be looking to move Josh Bell by the deadline as well.

The trade partnership basically writes itself.

“I think Josh Bell makes a whole lot of sense [in Houston] and I know I’m not alone in thinking that, Murray said.

First baseman Yuli Gurriel is 38. He is striking out at a higher rate than ever and his WAR this season has plummeted into the negatives. His signs of slowing are clear, with manager Dusty Baker giving him multiple days off this week because his legs are sore.

Gurriel can still contribute for Houston but it would make sense to bring in an insurance policy like Bell.

Bell is 29 years old and batting .311/.393/.502 this year with 12 home runs. Last year he launched 27.

Aside from the first base option, Murray also sees the Astros looking around at their options at catcher. While they like Martin Maldonado plenty from a defensive perspective, a more offensive presence at the position would be welcome.

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