re: DAT 6.19 | Astros v Mariners | 9:10 pm | McCullers vs. Elias

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What happens to Valbuena in this scenario?

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Tradeable asset.

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Pretty sure Valbuena is only signed through the end of this season. $4.2 Mill for 1 season is what he signed with the Cubs before being traded, but I cant remember if the Astros gave him an extension after getting him. I don't see him having much trade value at the deadline if he is free to leave after the season, but I don't think they'd want to trade him during the season anyways without a suitable replacement (even more unlikely to trade him if they are still contending for the division/playoffs by the end of July).

And honestly, I would rather have him as our utility IF going forward than either Villar or Marwin. Valbuena also plays multiple IF positions too (2nd base definitely; I cant remember if he played SS on occasion for the Cubs) and no one can argue that his defense isn't a lot better than the other two if that's his competition for the utility bench role. And I believe he is still under 30 years old (28 or 29), so it isn't like he is an older player with diminishing skills.

And does anyone actually believe Villar or Marwin will ever be more than what they are now? If not, then I'll easily take Valbuena's superior defense and 25-30 HR power over Villar/Marwin if Luis agrees to sign a extension after this season with the understanding that it will be a diminished role.

I also believe the FO expected Colin Moran to be further along by now than what he is. So their opinion on what Moran will contribute to the majors next season (if anything) will also determine who stays and who goes. That might actually be the biggest factor in their decision.