The Astros have been on the hunt for a left-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Their recent trade of Jesús Sánchez for Joey Loperfido was more about financial flexibility than lineup balance, saving them around $6 million. While they’ve added Cavan Biggio on a minor league deal and are eyeing Michael Conforto, who might come on a non-roster invite after a tough year in Los Angeles, these moves are more about depth than guaranteed impact.
At this stage in free agency, the options are mostly reclamation projects. Besides Conforto, there’s Max Kepler, who faces an 80-game suspension, Jesse Winker, and Alex Verdugo.
To make a significant splash, the Astros might need to explore the trade market. They’ve been open to offers on Isaac Paredes, given their crowded infield, but that’s just one possible route.
Astros fans know the usual trade targets, like Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu, though they seem likely to stay in Boston. The Cardinals’ Lars Nootbaar could be available, but they might wait until the deadline, considering his recent heel surgeries.
The recent Caleb Durbin and Kyle Harrison trade shows that teams often make moves under the radar. It’s likely the Astros have been having similar discussions.
One interesting target could be Daylen Lile from the Nationals. He’s pre-arbitration and controllable through 2031.
Lile impressed in his MLB debut, posting a .299/.347/.498 slash line with nine homers in 351 plate appearances. Known for his contact ability, Lile’s .302 expected batting average last year highlights his potential.
However, Lile might be more of a complementary piece rather than a franchise cornerstone for the rebuilding Nationals. While his hitting is solid, questions remain about his overall impact due to fringe-average power and defensive struggles. His outfield reads have been shaky, with metrics showing him 14 runs below average defensively.
Despite these defensive concerns, the Astros have historically been flexible with left field defense, as seen with players like Yordan Alvarez and late-career Michael Brantley. With a new front office in Washington, the Nationals might be open to discussions about Lile, making him a potential trade target for Houston.
