The Houston Astros could be adding one of the game's most powerful hitters this week, reinvigorating their title hopes in the process.
Houston has stormed back after a slow start this season and snatched the American League West lead away from the Seattle Mariners. Entering Thursday, the Astros held a one-game lead over Seattle. Houston's general manager Dana Brown has witnessed his team skyrocket into contention, meaning he could be planning a blockbuster trade.
Brown might even be bold enough to make an offer to the Toronto Blue Jays for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. On Thursday, Peter Chawaga of Athlon Sports deemed a Guerrero-to-Astros deal possible.
"After former MVP José Abreu was demoted to the minor leagues, it became clear the most pressing need is for an impact bat at first base," Chawaga said. "And it doesn’t get any more impactful than Vladimir Guerrero Jr."
"It would take a lot to persuade the Blue Jays to relinquish Guerrero with another year of arbitration ahead on his contract. The Astros might have to part with an MLB-ready youngster and trade outfielder Joey Loperfido plus top-10 prospect Jake Bloss to land Guerrero in a two-for-one exchange."
If Guerrero is too difficult to pry away from Toronto, Houston could pivot and make a move for another strong bat like Isaac Paredes.
Either way, it's clear that the Astros are unafraid to go big before the deadline, feeling confident that they can make a serious World Series push.
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