The American League West division has been dominated by the Houston Astros for the past few years, and this season is no different. With a record of 50-34, they currently hold the top spot in the division. However, as the team continues to assert their dominance, a growing concern has emerged. With Yordan Alvarez, the team’s left-handed power hitter, sidelined due to injury, the Astros now lack a vital component in their lineup. This missing link could potentially become a glaring issue for the team in their pursuit of a World Series title.
Yordan Alvarez has been a crucial part of the Astros’ success in recent years. The 24-year-old outfielder has established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed hitters in the league. In 2019, he burst onto the scene with 27 home runs and an impressive .313 batting average in just 87 games, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year award. His powerful swing and ability to hit for both power and average have been sorely missed by the Astros this season.
With the loss of Alvarez, the Astros have been forced to rely heavily on their right-handed hitters. While they have a talented lineup, the absence of a reliable left-handed power hitter has affected their performance against left-handed pitching. As the season progresses and teams begin to strategize against the Astros, this could prove to be a significant disadvantage for them.
Realizing the impact of this issue, the Astros have been actively seeking a left-handed power hitter to add to their lineup. Reports have emerged that the team is aggressively eyeing a $8.7 million lefty hitter in the trade market ahead of the July 30th trade deadline. This move not only shows their determination to solidify their lead in the AL West but also their commitment to winning a second World Series title in three years.
This potential trade could be a game-changer for the Astros. With the addition of a reliable left-handed hitter, their lineup would become more well-rounded and versatile. It would not only give them an edge against left-handed pitchers but also provide much-needed support for their right-handed hitters. This move could also provide the Astros with much-needed depth in their lineup, which is crucial for a long and grueling season.
One might question the need for such an aggressive move by the Astros, considering they are already leading their division. But for a team that has consistently performed at the highest level and has set their sights on winning the World Series, this is a necessary step. The Astros are a team that strives for greatness, and they will stop at nothing to achieve it.
Apart from Alvarez’s absence, the Astros have also suffered from other injuries this season. Players like Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and Kyle Tucker have all spent time on the injured list, further highlighting the need for a strong and deep lineup. The addition of a left-handed power hitter would not only provide support in Alvarez’s absence but also give the team more options to rest their regular starters and prevent further injuries.
In addition to their pursuit of a left-handed hitter, the Astros have also been making moves to solidify their pitching staff. Despite the loss of ace Justin Verlander to season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team has been performing exceptionally well on the mound. However, with the playoffs approaching, they cannot afford to take any chances, and strengthening their pitching staff would only increase their chances of a deep playoff run.
The Astros have proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the American League. With a record of 50-34 and a comfortable lead in the AL West, they have set their sights on another World Series title. However, to achieve this goal, they need to address the missing link in their lineup, and they are doing just that with their aggressive pursuit of a left-handed power hitter.
As the 2021 MLB season progresses, the Houston Astros will continue to dominate their division and make their presence felt in the league. And with the addition of a left-handed power hitter, they will only become stronger and more dangerous. So, while there may be a growing concern about the team’s vulnerability without Alvarez, the Astros are not letting it bother them. Instead, they are making moves to solidify their lead and establish their dominance in the American League.