Astros Rumors: Michael Brantley, Nelson Cruz On Houston's Radar, JT Realmuto Is A Trade Option

While most of the AL playoff teams have made at least one notable move this offseason, the Houston Astros have been quiet. That could soon change as the team looks to add a big free agent.

The 2017 World Series champs aren’t expected to make a play for Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but they could acquire at least one hitter from the next tier of free agents. According to MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal, Houston is interested in adding Michael Brantley and Nelson Cruz.

After making two straight All-Star teams, Brantley might get more total money than any available position player, other than Harper or Machado. Cruz is arguably the surest bet among that second tier of players to make an impact in 2019.

Brantley, 31, hit .309/.364/.468 with the Cleveland Indians in 2018. The outfielder missed significant time in the 2017 and 2016 seasons with injuries, but he totaled a .319 average with 90 doubles from 2014-2015.

Cruz, 38, has made five All-Star teams in the last six years. He hit .256/.342/.509 with 37 home runs last season for the Seattle Mariners. The DH has hit at least 37 homers in each of the last five years.

The Astros lost to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS after winning the 2017 World Series. Houston’s offense took a step back in 2018, going from first in runs scored to sixth in the majors.

Houston has reportedly been eyeing most of the top players that could be traded this offseason. They were interested in Paul Goldschmidt, according to MLB Network’s Richard Justice, before the first baseman was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals.

It could make sense for the Astros to try and work out a trade for J.T. Realmuto. The Miami Marlins are looking to trade the catcher, and they reportedly prefer not to send him to an NL East team.

Rosenthal noted that Houston is not considered to be one of the top candidates for Realmuto, though he could be a fit for the Astros.

Brian McCann signed with the Atlanta Braves after playing 61 games for the Astros last season. Martin Maldonado is a free agent after catching 34 games for Houston, though he could return if the team doesn’t acquire Realmuto.