The Houston Astros are reportedly eyeing a trade for a versatile Minnesota Twins utility man as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, teams are preparing to make key moves that could shape their playoff runs and boost their World Series chances in 2025.
The Houston Astros are among the clubs expected to be active as they look to add another AL West division title and go on a deep playoff run. One area that the Astros want to improve is adding a left-handed bat.
Houston have a heavy right-handed hitting starting lineup, especially with Yordan Álvarez out after suffering a fractured bone in his right hand. On Sunday, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reported that Minnesota Twins’ Willi Castro is on the Astros’ radar.
“Minnesota Twins utilityman Willi Castro is also of interest to the Astros and a far better fit for their roster,” Rome wrote.
“Castro is a switch hitter with starts at six different defensive positions this season, versatility that would be valued as the Astros’ nine injured position players are activated. Castro has made 26 starts at second base and 25 in left field — the two most unsettled positions on Houston’s major-league roster.”
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Nonetheless, Rome puts a concerning issue regarding Houston’s interest in Castro. The Twins standout is a free agent at the end of the season, so Minnesota will look to sell to the highest bidder, which poses a problem for the Astros.
“Both Castro and [Eugenio] Suárez are rentals being sought after by a bevy of contending teams, again inviting wonder if the Astros can win a bidding war against clubs with deeper farm systems,” Rome added.
The Astros led the AL West by four games over the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. As a result, Houston will have to determine whether losing a key piece of their farm system is worth it for a player like Castro.
Category: Baseball
