Could Houston Astros Make a Move for Juan Soto this Offseason?
Wednesday is a virtual "must-win" for the Houston Astros.
Trailing 2-0, they're already facing long odds of coming back to win the series.
Only 10% of teams who have lost their first two games at home have advanced in the postseason.
Only one has comeback from a 3-0 deficit.
So, while the Astros are focused on taking care of business on the field, the front office will figure out how they can avoid this situation moving forward.
Could they take a swing for superstar Juan Soto?
There have been rumors that the San Diego Padres could look to move the 24-year-old before he hits free agency following the 2024 season.
Former MLB Executive, Jim Bowden, says that they would need to pay Soto a contract that exceeds the 15-year, $440 million deal that the Washington Nationals offered him last year.
"Combine the expected contract it would take to sign Soto long term and the above factors, and it seems there’s a real possibility San Diego will trade him this offseason," he wrote for The Athletic.
Bowden put together a list of five teams he thinks could trade for the superstar.
Houston was not on that list.
But, if the Astros flame out in the ALCS under first-year general manager Dana Brown, he might look to be aggressive and put his stamp on this franchise.
"Several big-market and contending teams need an impact bat for the middle of the lineup to put them over the top, and I believe would be willing to trade a strong package of prospects or even some major-league players to land someone of Soto’s status," Bowden writes.
So, what would a package look like for Houston?
Considering they have a depleted farm system compared to others on the list, it would likely have to be centered around their Major League players.
Would the Astros be willing to deal Framber Valdez, Yainer Diaz, Chas McCormick and some prospects to get this deal done?
Seems unlikely considering Justin Verlander and Martin Maldonado's age with Valdez and Diaz expected to be the faces of those positions.
But, Houston had two rookies who gained starting rotation experience this year. They locked up Cristian Javier to an extension and are expected to get back Lance McCullers Jr.
Maldonado could come back on a club-friendly deal and the outfield would be set for years going forward.
It's improbable that the Astros would make a big move like this, but if the ALCS ends poorly, they could find themselves in an unfamiliar situation with a GM wanting to prove something.
