Now once again a threat to win the West, the Astros are in need of a starting pitcher (or two) and a hitter (and obviously a first baseman, if they step up a level).
Their dream target is thought to be Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, who will become a free agent.
Luis Robert is the most likely to be traded among stars at his position, with one rival suggesting that while his asking price is high given his injury history, that’s common in early July.
The Mariners need some offensive power, and Robert remains a logical target.
Another idea the White Sox have is to bring back Jose Abreu, whose playing career was thought to be over, to coach all of the talent coming out of Cuba.
Other hitters who could be released include Joc Pederson and Eugenio Suarez if the Diamondbacks lose steam, plus Brent Rooker, Taylor Ward, Randy Arozarena, Tommy Pham and possibly Cody Bellinger.
Would the forward-thinking Rays also trade Isaac Paredes and/or Yandy Diaz?
The striking market has taken a big hit with Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez all but certain to stay.
The Diamondbacks are not keen to make any sales after strengthening their World Series-caliber roster over the winter, with three top starters out and Jordan Montgomery not playing to his potential (6.44 ERA).
While it seems ridiculous to blame Monty’s struggles on missing spring training given how great his first two starts were (2.77 ERA), a more likely cause is that he threw 2,023 more innings in the fourth round of the playoffs (219 ²/₃ innings).
Montgomery could have signed a multiyear contract with Boston earlier and attended spring training, but he didn’t want to go there and instead waited to return to the Rangers.
The extra innings required to play in the ALCS for seven consecutive years may also be a contributing factor to the high number of injuries to the Astros’ starting pitchers.
In the case of Justin Verlander, the Mets could save $17.5 million by not reaching the 140-inning trigger on his $35 million vesting option, a big chunk for a team subject to a 110 percent tax.
