One baseman needs to step up for the Houston Astros. Jon Singleton, who is currently serving as their fire baseman, is slashing.despite demonstrating extremely low power, 235/.325/.350. José Abreu, their chosen replacement, was a colossal bust and is no longer with the club. Earlier in the season, Houston was linked to top first basemen Christian Walker, Vlad Guerrero Jr., and Pete Alonso; but, I highly doubt that any of those names will be traded this year.
Currently leading the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East is first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Jeff Passan, an MLB insider, reports that the Orioles are open to trade proposals including Ryan Mountcastle. Plus, it’s totally logical. Samuel Bassalo and, more crucially, Coby Mayo are in the Orioles’ minor league system, waiting to be called up to play first base. Mountcastle is the sole explanation for Mayo’s continued participation in Triple-A.
Amaya is cutting costs.In 2024, he hit.305/.385/.628 with 22 home runs, and he was widely considered to have the best minor league bat. Selling Mountcastle would allow Baltimore to make the most of his high trade value while simultaneously freeing up a roster place for him. Join the conversation for the inside scoop as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 30 and for additional news and speculations, check out Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders.
Under contract until 2026, Mountcastle is hitting.264/.305/.437 with more than 20 doubles this season. His move from the Orioles to the Astros will help both clubs contend for the pennant. You won’t often find a talented player like him on the trade market, especially from a competitive team. He’s also a solid hitter. Baltimore can no longer afford to ignore Coby Mayo’s plight in Triple-A. Some in Baltimore think he’ll have a better bat than Gunnar Henderson, who is running for most valuable player.
Across two levels of the minor leagues, 23-year-old Cole is slashing.256/.367/.475 and is having a terrific season. He has some of the best tools available, and he’s a well developed prospect. He possesses remarkable strength, speed, and agility in addition to an exceptional arm. The Orioles farm system would benefit greatly from his presence.
At 22 years old, Fleury possesses a changeup that is among the best in the lower leagues. Although he boasts a sub-3.50 ERA in nearly 200 innings of professional play, he is somewhat limited due to the absence of a second outstanding pitch to complement his changeup.
Diaz, who is just eighteen years old, possesses exceptional raw talent for a player his age. He has the potential to become a five-tool player in the future, as he is an above-average runner, thrower, and power hitter. The problem is that in his two years of professional ball, he has failed to demonstrate it. After 90 games as a rookie, his slash line is.202/.358/.334. You might think of him as an extra lottery ticket in this package.
One of the Astros’ major issues would have a resolution. A solution in his prime that’s with the team for the next three years. Given the current condition of their agricultural system, Baltimore does not require his services. It seems like two purchasing clubs may come out ahead in this agreement.
