The 2022 MLB trade deadline officially wrapped up on Tuesday at 5 pm central time. While other teams pulled off some big-time blockbuster trades, the Astros made three in total. Here’s a look at each move and how it benefits the team.
Astros Acquire 1B/DH Trey Mancini from Orioles
The Astros made a deal with the Baltimore Orioles to acquire Trey Mancini, which would eventually turn into a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Each team’s acquisitions are listed below:
Astros:
1B/DH Trey Mancini (from Orioles), Minor League RHP Jayden Murray (from Rays).
Orioles:
RHP Seth Johnson (from Rays), RHP Chayce McDermott (from Astros).
Rays:
OF Jose Siri (from Astros).
Mancini met with the Houston media for the first time Tuesday before first pitch. “It’s time for new beginnings, and I’m excited to get started here in Houston,” Mancini said, as he also expressed joy in playing in Houston with the short porch in left field and the overall experience with the fanbase and new teammates.
This move benefits Houston because it gives them another versatile player who can play multiple positions and hit well, something Houston needed.
Astros acquire Catcher Christian Vazquez from Red Sox
The second move made by Houston saw the team add some depth to their catcher position. Christian Vazquez adds some pop to the lineup and excellent defensive skills. The acquisition made sense with catcher Jason Castro likely done for the season after being placed on the 60-day IL.
Astros:
C Christian Vazquez (from Red Sox)
Red Sox:
INF Enmanuel Valdez, OF Wilyer Abreu (from Astros).
Alongside his new teammate, Vazquez also met with the media for the first time with his new team. He expressed his love for the Red Sox and how he’d miss the city of Boston and the fanbase but also expressed excitement about coming to Houston. “The focus right now is to win and help this team, the Astros, win the World Series,” said Vazquez.
Houston needed another catcher, and that’s what they got. It’ll benefit them because not only is Vasquez good defensively, but he can also hit, which adds to what Houston needed from their nine-hole hitter.
Astros acquire Will Smith from Braves
Houston’s third and final move this year was the acquisition of left-handed reliever Will Smith from the Atlanta Braves. The Astros have an all-right-handed bullpen, so a lefty was something they were interested in, and they got a good one. Although struggling this season, Will Smith has recently been outstanding in the playoffs, featuring an ERA of 0.00 in last season’s World Series run with the Braves.
Astros:
LHP Will Smith (from Braves).
Braves:
RHP Jake Odorizzi (from Astros)
The move involved sending Jake Odorizzi to Atlanta to the delight of some Astros fans who grew tired of watching him pitch in Houston. The trade was equal on both sides as two struggling pitchers were sent to different teams in an attempt to get “fixed.” Smith is a valuable pickup due to adding another bullpen arm and someone who can face left-handed batters better than most.
What did you think about the Astros moves? Let us know in the comment section below!
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