Houston Astros’ Blockbuster Trade Proposal Would Finally Hit Rumored Target

The Houston Astros are in the running for some of the top first basemen at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, but one big fish is starting to look more likely than the others.

With reports that Houston has been in contact with the New York Mets about star slugger Pete Alonso, it’s time to circle him as the most important player on the wish list.

To facilitate conversations with New York, FanSided’s Zach Pressnell has proposed a trade package that would be hard to refuse.

The deal would see the Mets send Alonso to the Astros in exchange for shortstop Brice Matthews, outfielder Zach Cole and right-handed pitcher Miguel Ullola.

It’s a lot to give up for an already thin farm system, but Houston desperately needs an upgrade at first base.

So far this year, the Astros are hitting .210/.283/.324 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs from first basemen. That position in the lineup is supposed to be more reliable at the plate, given that it’s typically where hitters are hidden on defense.

Alonso would be an instant improvement in almost every sense of the word.

So far in 2024, he’s hitting .240/.319/.454 with 19 homers and 51 RBIs. That’s despite a slow start to the year. He’s on track for his third straight All-Star appearance and fourth overall.

He would be tied with Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker on the team in long balls and one point behind Alvarez in RBIs. His production would be welcome on a team that has already battled back from a dreadful start to the season.

The 29-year-old would be This will only be a temporary solution at the position, unless the team decides to re-sign him at the end of the year when he heads to the open market.

In terms of what they’re giving up, it might be a lot for a rental, but adding Alonso could push them over the edge in a playoff race.

Matthews is one of the farm system’s most promising hitters and the No. 3 prospect in their pipeline. He was their first-round pick out of Nebraska in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 22-year-old is hitting .276/.397/.481 in the minor leagues this season, but has struggled since reaching Double-A.

Cole is just behind Matthews, but remains a top-five prospect. The 23-year-old has good defensive tools at all outfield positions, but needs to continue to show improvement at defensive end.

Ullola is a fiery pitcher who finally appears to be finding success in the minor leagues. He has made a solid transition to Double-A, reducing his hits allowed and maintaining his high strikeout numbers.

Getting just a third of a season for three intriguing pitchers is a lot, but it might be what it takes for the Astros to get their best option.