The Houston Astros have a 6 1/2 game lead in the American League West, entering play on Sunday. However, they have identified a clear need for the trade deadline.
The Astros could be trying to get Jose Altuve back to second base full-time. Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Dubón have not been great at second base, and Altuve’s defense in left field is less than ideal. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Astros are looking for a left-handed bat and have their eyes on Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles.
“The Houston Astros are aggressively looking for a left-handed bat on the market, with eyes on Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins,” wrote Nightengale.
Mullins will be a free agent after the season and is projected to earn a four-year, $56 million deal as a free agent. The Orioles are 36-47 and in last place in the American League East. They could be sellers at the deadline, and Mullins would be a prime trade candidate.
The Astros do not have many lefties in their preferred starting lineup, and replacing Altuve in left field could also be a priority. Mullins would allow them to move Jake Myers to left field and Altuve back to the infield. Mullins is not having his best offensive season, but he would strengthen the Astros’ lineup.
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Mullins is slashing .210/.295/.412 with 12 home runs. The former All-Star would give the Astros a starter with the ability to hit from the left side. Additionally, perhaps playing on a contender would get him back to swinging the bat like he has in the past. He has a .747 career OPS.
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