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).
Their dream target is thought to be Diamondbacks 1B Christian Walker, a free agent to be.
Luis Robert is the likeliest of positional stars to be dealt. One rival suggested the ask is high considering injury history, but that’s typical for early July.
The Mariners need offense. Robert remains a logical target.
One other idea for the White Sox: Bring back Jose Abreu, who looked done as a player, to guide all their Cuban talent.
Other hitters who could go: Joc Pederson and Eugenio Suarez if the D’backs fade, plus Brent Rooker, Taylor Ward, Randy Arozarena, Tommy Pham and possibly Cody Bellinger.
Might the forward-thinking Rays trade Isaac Paredes or Yandy Diaz, too?
The hitting market has taken a big hit with Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez almost surely staying.
The D’backs don’t want to sell, after improving a World Series roster in winter. They’ve been without three top starters, and Jordan Montgomery hasn’t been himself (6.44 ERA).
The idea that missing spring training caused Monty’s struggles seems silly when his first two starts were excellent (2.77 ERA). The more likely culprit: His extra 2023 innings through four playoff rounds (219 ²/₃ innings).
Montgomery could have signed a multiyear deal with Boston earlier and gone to spring training, but he didn’t want to go there and was holding out for a Rangers return.
The extra innings from seven straight ALCS appearances may be behind the Astros’ injury epidemic among starters, too.
In Justin Verlander’s case, he won’t hit his 140-inning trigger for his $35M vesting option, saving the Mets $17.5M — big for a team in 110 percent tax territory.
