The Astros sent Joey Loperfido and Jake Meyers to Triple-A Sugar Land earlier this month, and just like that, Houston has a big hole in the outfield. They are in the market for a left-handed bat, and they need a center fielder. Right now, they really need both.
The Houston Astros reportedly have their eyes on Colorado Rockies outfielders Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy. Both hit left-handed, both play center field, and both are having the best seasons of their careers. On paper, it sounds like a perfect fit.
Moniak, 28, was the first overall pick back in 2016. It took a while, but he has found his footing in Colorado, hitting .277 with 15 home runs in just 56 games this season. McCarthy, 29, spent years with Arizona looking inconsistent, but this year he is hitting .306 with nine homers in 76 games.
Here is the catch. Both players are having these breakouts at Coors Field, which inflates offensive numbers more than almost any park in baseball. Moniak has hit just .227 away from Colorado since last season. McCarthy's road numbers are better, but still a big drop from what he does at home, per climbingtalshill.
The Astros do not have a lot of options here. They are up against the luxury tax and do not have the prospect capital to go after a bigger name. So a trade like this carries real risk, but the need is real too. Houston has to do something.
