Houston Astros reporter throws water on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade rumors

The Houston Astros have a record of 8 wins and 1 loss in their last nine games. This series has allowed the team to get back into the race for the American League Wild Card.

In addition to the wild card race, the Astros are just five games behind the Seattle Mariners in the division.

Given the string of trades they’ve been on, many analysts are wondering what the team will do before the MLB trade deadline next month. Some are starting to believe they could end up becoming buyers.

One name that has been linked to Houston and would be in the way of a blockbuster trade is Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Guerrero has become a hot topic in the trade rumor mill. While the Blue Jays have openly stated they have no intention of trading him, several teams seem to think a good offer could force them to consider making a move.

Despite the interest in Guerrero and the Astros as potential trade candidates, a Houston reporter threw water on the Guerrero trade rumors.

In an article on Crayfish boxesa website that covers the Astros, a major reason was given why the team would fail to complete a trade for Guerrero.

“There’s a rumor the Astros have made Vlad Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays a trade target. I’m skeptical of that idea. It’s not that I wouldn’t want Guerrero to pitch for the Astros. He’s a great hitter and would be under team control through 2025. But there’s a major catch. His salary is $19.9 million and he’s likely to get a raise in arbitration next year. The Astos are on the verge of a CBT penalty and the balance owed on this year’s salary plus next year’s $20 million-plus will likely put the Astros in tax territory.”

Although this is just a layman’s opinion, it makes sense.

It seems highly unlikely that Houston would want to venture into tax territory to acquire Guerrero. Other measures would be necessary to avoid that situation.

Other measures could be taken, but it would not be easy.

That being said, no one really knows what the Astros will do. They could look to get Guerrero and worry about the financial consequences later. However, it’s clear that a trade for the 25-year-old first baseman may not be a likely scenario.