MLB Rumors: Astros can trade from position of strength

The Houston Astros are in the midst of an AL West race with the Texas Rangers. Fans aren't thinking about the offseason just yet, but you can bet the front office has an eye towards the future.

Houston is in position to trade from a position of strength. Even with Yordan Alvarez's injury, the Astros outfield has been one of the most productive groups in the major leagues, and they're set to get Michael Brantley back shortly.

If the Astros are smart — and they are — don't be surprised if they dangle one of their outfielders to improve at positions of need. The more popular trade target could be Chas McCormick, who has excelled this season offensively thanks to a new, more upright batting stance. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, McCormick has been playing at a different level since early June:

"McCormick was a quietly productive player over his first two big league seasons and has found a new gear in 2023. Over 313 plate appearances, he owns a .288/.378/.539 batting line. Of the 215 hitters with 300+ trips to the plate, McCormick ranks 18th in OBP and 12th in slugging. He has been on a particular tear of late, with a .317/.410/.593 slash since June 9."

Now, is it fair to think that production will continue into 2024? Perhaps Houston is more confident than myself, but trading him while his value is highest makes sense. McCormick can play the corners or center field. Dealing him would allow the Astros to improve their rotation depth or at first base, where they have a glaring need.

Don't be surprised if McCormick's name is floated, at the very least.

MLB Rumors: Marcell Ozuna is no longer on the outs with the Braves

Marcell Ozuna's power is officially back on after a years-long outage. Ozuna struggled in both 2021 and 2022, not to mention his off-field grievances. Frankly, his contract was an albatross on an otherwise spotless Alex Anthopoulos resume in Atlanta.

If the Braves could have traded Ozuna by now, they likely would have. In fact, there's an argument to be made that they still should, especially while his value is high this offseason. The 2023-24 free agent market is lacking with power bats.

However, as Mark Bowman notes, Ozuna's turnaround is worth nothing.

"It seemed like Ozuna's days in Atlanta were dwindling, especially when he exited April hitting .085 with a .397 OPS. He struggled on the field and had multiple off-the-field issues the previous two seasons. So, it seemed the Braves would be willing to eat the approximate $37 million left on his contract. But they ultimately decided not to, and entering Wednesday, Ozuna was hitting .275 with 22 homers and an .874 OPS since May 2. At the same time, he has seemingly been a positive influence within the clubhouse."

On a Braves roster that otherwise has affordable, long-term deals, Ozuna's contract is less of an issue. Anthopoulos has done a tremendous job building this squad, and he can be a free agent after the 2024 season. At that point, it's fair to wonder if Ozuna will be in the team's long-term plans.

For now, though, it seems Ozuna isn't going anywhere.

MLB Rumors: Will the Mets fire Buck Showalter?

The New York Mets season has not gone according to plan, to say the least. This veteran-laden team has struggled to live up to expectations, so much so that they sold at the trade deadline.

Billy Eppler traded Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and more to replenish a strong farm system. Suddenly, the Mets are planning for 2024 and beyond. If Scherzer is to be believed, next season may be a wash as well.

What does that mean for Buck Showalter? Could he be on the outs, or are the Mets willing to let Buck manage the next great team in Queens several years from now?

Showalter is a veteran manager, and one who has experience leading teams of all shapes and sizes. Previously with both the Yankees and Orioles, he helped young teams grow into the contenders many fans expected them to one day become.

In that sense, Showalter is the right man for the job. He can relate to this clubhouse. However, Showalter is also 67 years old. Perhaps a fresh face, and a younger one, is in order. Were that to be true, some potential replacements are right under Eppler's nose (and in the front office).

Prior to being named in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, Carlos Beltran was picked to lead these Mets. Then, just like that, he was swiftly replaced. Beltran deserves his chance at redemption. A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora have received there's, and it seems like only a matter of time before Beltran is welcomed back into an MLB clubhouse.