3 Big Moves We'd Love to See the Astros Make During MLB Shutdown

The Houston Astros enter the 2020 MLB season, whenever it begins, as one of the favorites to win the World Series once again. The team is stacked with talent, but it can never hurt to add more when you have a team like the New York Yankees clearly gearing up for a title run.

When all is said and done in Houston, that surplus of great players in the organization means some blockbuster trades are possible. The team's front office executives are sitting around and may come up with some creative moves to make the team even better for when the season does eventually begin. Here are three big-name players they could probably still acquire before the start of 2020.

3. Kirby Yates

San Diego Padres Reliever Kirby Yates / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Will the San Diego Padres finally be reasonable in trade talks for Kirby Yates? At last year's trade deadline there were reports of them asking for a huge return, but now with the right-hander in his contract year, they're going to have to take what they can get if they don't plan to re-sign him. Expect a team like the Astros, who need bullpen help, to inquire.

2. Robbie Ray

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray would be a nice addition for the Houston Astros. / Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

The Astros lost Gerrit Cole in free agency. Why not replace him with Robbie Ray? The Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher is in a contract year after going 12-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 2019. He can be a one-year rental for the Astros and join Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke for a possible World Series run. With a $9.4 million salary for 2020, this could be right in Houston's wheelhouse.

1. Joc Pederson

The Houston Astros could add outfield depth his Los Angeles Dodgers OF Joc Pederson. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Joc Pederson was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, but that deal fell through and it's clear the Los Angeles Dodgers are willing to move on from the slugger. While the Astros' outfield is full at the moment, Pederson can platoon in the field and play some DH, especially with Yordan Alvarez dealing with a knee issue. There'd be plenty of ways for manager Dusty Baker to plug Pederson into the lineup.