The Houston Astros are just on the outside of the playoff bubble. At 45-47, they're 2.5 games behind in the American League West and one game back from a wild-card spot. Going into a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, Houston is working toward getting back above .500.
However, the roster could use a few upgrades before the trade deadline on Aug. 3, with the outfield sitting as a glaring need. Taylor Trammell is the only Astros outfielder with at least 100 at-bats and an OPS above .700.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Astros are showing interest in several outfielders from the Colorado Rockies, including Mickey Moniak.
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"The Houston Astros, badly needing an outfielder, are showing strong interest in Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy of the Colorado Rockies," Nightengale wrote.
While both would be upgrades for the Astros, Moniak has been the better performer so far this season. He has played in 56 games this year, making appearances at every outfield position and as a designated hitter.
At the plate, he's been one of the Rockies' most consistent hitters. Moniak has accumulated 29 runs scored, 53 hits, 15 home runs and 37 RBIs in 191 at-bats. He is also slashing .277/.329/.602 for a .931 OPS.
While his numbers at the plate make him an intriguing trade candidate, his contract situation does as well. The 28-year-old has his final year of arbitration in 2027 and isn't set to become a free agent until 2028.
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the Astros could use the kind of boost that Moniak has provided the Rockies this season. Houston's push to a postseason appearance could be defined by their willingness to shake up the roster.
