A potential trade with the Houston Astros would be a great backup plan for first base

The Houston Astros have been the subject of much trade talk as the MLB deadline fast approaches, particularly first base.

While players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Pete Alonso have dominated those discussions, the competition will be tough with Houston having few prospects to offer.

If the Astros lose their top options, it might be necessary to turn to a backup plan. After all, they desperately need help at that position.

FanSided’s Zach Pressnell had an interesting trade idea for one of the lesser-known hitters at the position.

The trade proposal would see the Houston Astros send shortstop Chase Jaworsky to the Miami Marlins in exchange for first baseman Josh Bell and cash considerations.

Bell has been a road companion in recent trades and is favored to be on the move again. Houston would be his fifth team since the start of 2022.

It makes sense, though, as a powerful, ambidextrous hitter would be intriguing to most teams competing at the trade deadline.

A change of scenery could be beneficial for the slugger, who has been ice cold of late. He’s hitting .228/.289/.644 with nine homers and 39 RBIs this season.

It’s nothing revolutionary, but his upside is a bit higher than what the Astros are currently working with at the position.

Houston’s first basemen are currently hitting just .210/.283/.324 on the season, which is unacceptable for a team with any hope of competing.

Bell is also an expensive player, set to make $16.5 million. Miami will have to pay most of his contract, which is why the Astros get some of the money in return. His contract ends after this season, though, so he’s a rental either way.

The prospect Houston is returning, Jaworsky, makes sense as a project player for a rebuilding team like the Marlins.

The 19-year-old was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB draft, so he is very early in his professional career.

In 79 games so far, in Single-A alone, he’s batting .246/.354/.353. He doesn’t offer much power, but he has speed for days. He’s got 28 sacks this season alone. He was mostly known for his defensive potential, anyway.

While this isn’t the flashy trade Astros fans have been waiting for weeks, it might be the more realistic option and would still be an improvement.