Observation:
While anything can still happen in the next few hours, none of the current front runners have made any blockbuster moves.
No Yankees, Twins, Astros, Dodgers, RedSox, Tampa bay, Nationals, etc.
The biggest moves have been made by the Mets and Reds.
Can you imagine having a Puig and a Bauer in the same clubhouse?
Yikes!
Correction: I just read (thanks
@EasyAce) that Puig was dealt to Cleveland in the trade for Bauer.
On the Astros front:
A lot of dynamics here. I think if they get someone, it will be a loaner, not long term.
Why?
Gerrit Cole will most likely be gone after this year.
Stupid money, about 300 million, has been talked about with for him.
The Astros still will make a run at him, and he likes it here, but the price will be too high.
They've extended Bregman and Altuve's contracts, look for them to do this with Correa and Springer, who would become free agents after 2020.
Won't leave a ton of money for a free agent.
All is not lost.
McCullers should be back from Tommy John surgery, and a lot of pitchers have improved from where they prior to the surgery.
Also, locking down Altuve, Bregman and (hopefully) Springer, Correa, and Alvarez you have a good team for 5+ years.
That is still a powerful line up.
You would just have to fill in the missing pieces around them, as required, and the Astros do very well at scouting players, both up and coming and established players.