The Houston Astros are making a bold move to address the injury of All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. According to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Astros are acquiring Gold Glove third baseman Ramon Urias from the Baltimore Orioles.
Urias, 31, brings a solid bat and exceptional defensive skills to Houston. This season, he's hitting .248/.300/.388 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs. However, Urias's true value lies in his defense. He leads all American League third basemen in double plays turned this year. In 2022, he earned a Gold Glove award for his outstanding defensive performance, contributing 1.9 defensive bWAR to the Orioles' first winning season in six years.
This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Astros, as Paredes is expected to be sidelined for months due to a hamstring injury sustained after his second All-Star selection. Paredes hasn't played since July 19th, leaving a significant void at third base.
Despite dealing with numerous injuries throughout the season, the Astros currently lead the Seattle Mariners by 4.5 games in the American League West division. The addition of Ramon Urias will undoubtedly bolster their chances of maintaining their lead and making a deep playoff run.
Urias's Defensive Prowess: A Game-Changer for Houston?
Urias's arrival could significantly improve the Astros' infield defense. His Gold Glove pedigree speaks for itself, and his ability to turn double plays is a valuable asset. Can he seamlessly integrate into the Astros' lineup and contribute both offensively and defensively? Only time will tell.
What does this mean for the Orioles?
The Orioles are parting ways with a valuable player in Urias, but this move could signal a strategic shift or perhaps the opening of opportunities for younger talent within the organization. It will be interesting to see how the Orioles adjust their roster and strategy moving forward.