PT TOMORROW: AL West—Not going anywhere yet

Houston Astros

Staying with last week's trade deadline thoughts, the division's only certain post-season contender also owns the biggest black hole offensively at the catcher spot. Entering Tuesday, first-stringer Martín Maldonado (C, HOU) owns a .493 OPS, while backup Jason Castro (C, HOU) is even worse at .312.  The casual observer might point out that CHC free-agent-to-be Wilson Contreras (.877 OPS) is more than available and perhaps the best hitter on the trade market. But Contreras won't come cheap—and more to the point, HOU knew what it was getting when it extended Maldonado last August to a contract with a games-played option close to kicking in for 2023. He's a weak-hitting catcher at the end of an otherwise loaded lineup who...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

How will a trade deadline focused on marginal upgrades impact the race in the NL Central?
Aug 2 2025 3:05am
Luke Keaschall is nearing a return to action, Grichuk's outlook in KC, and more from around the division.
Aug 1 2025 3:11am
Muncy's return to spur changes in LA lineup; impacts of trades in ARI; Fernández losing playing time in COL; deadline roster needs in SD; rotation options in SF
Jul 31 2025 3:05am
Coby Mayo has thrived of late and could continue getting more playing time after the trade deadline. Plus, Clement's playing time is in danger in TOR, and more.
Jul 30 2025 3:10am

Tools