Detroit Tigers: Exploring Nicholas Castellanos Trade Scenarios

Houston Astros

The Astros are once again likely to be buyers, although their biggest need is in the bullpen and not in the outfield. Still, if Kyle Tucker is not ready for the big leagues, the Astros will have a hole in left field. Castellanos has not played much left field in the big leagues, although he played there a fair amount in the minors.

Plus, designated hitter Evan Gattis could be called into more catching duty with Brian McCann on the DL. Max Stassi has been the Astros’ starter behind the plate, with journeyman Tim Federowicz as the backup. If the Astros want to get Gattis into the lineup instead of Federowicz, that could free up at bats at DH for Castellanos.

Once again, it’s not a perfect fit and it’s not Houston’s highest priority. But Detroit is familiar with the Astros’ farm system, and it’s possible Castellanos and Justin Verlander could be reunited in Houston.

Like the Tigers, the Astros’ farm system is very pitching heavy. A few position players the Tigers could target include MIF Freudis Nova and 3B Joe Perez. Nova was the prize of Houston’s spendy international class of 2016/2017. He’s a shortstop who scouts project could hit for both average and power, drawing comparisons to Edgar Renteria and Hanley Ramirez.

Perez was a pitcher in high school who ran it up to 98 miles per hour, but Houston drafted him in the second round last year as a third baseman. He has plus power and the arm to play third base in the big leagues.