Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Linked as Potential Fit for All-Star Catcher

The Houston Astros have been named as a possible trade candidate to acquire Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals.

Kade Kistner

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The Houston Astros could get splashy with a move at the MLB trade deadline this season as they may have their eye on one of the best catchers of all time. 

According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Kansas City Royals could be open to moving Salvador Perez and list the Astros as a prime candidate to pull off the trade. 

"Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez said he didn’t want to talk about whether he might waive his veto rights to be dealt to a contender, but sources suggest he might consider it for a chance at another ring," Heyman said. "The Marlins, Padres, and Astros seem like potential fits. Perez only said, 'I love Kansas City. They gave me an opportunity.'"

Perez is known as one of the best offensive catchers in the game but also has five Gold Gloves to his name. As Baseball Essential's Patrick McAvoy points out, with more teams than ever in a contending position, Perez would be a hot commodity. 

For Houston, Perez would be able to share the load with Martin Maldonado while also taking days at the designated hitter position. He would strengthen the lineup but also provide excellent coverage behind the plate. 

While Maldonado is an Astros fan-favorite and one of the best defensive catchers in the league, his .556 OPS this season has been a hinderance in the lineup. 

Making an offensive upgrade in Perez could go a long way in helping boost Houston's chances of returning to the World Series. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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