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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Houston Astros are searching for left-handed hitters at the trade deadline.
While the organization isn't tied to a specific position, general manager Dana Brown admitted it's a big area of need ahead of next month.
"It's no secret, it'd be good to get a left-handed bat," said Brown. "No doubt about that. That's the big thing for us. We're having discussions about other things, but the one big issue for us, it'd be nice to get a left-handed bat."
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With this being a major issue for the Astros as they try to lock down the American League West division, could slugger Josh Naylor be a good fit?
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Bob Nightengale of USA Today mentioned Naylor as a potential trade candidate on Sunday if the Arizona Diamondbacks fall out of the race.
"The Arizona Diamondbacks' playoffs hopes continue to take body blows with co-closers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez undergoing season-ending elbow surgeries, joining ace Corbin Burnes and starters Jordan Montgomery and Tommy Henry," wrote Nightengale. "If they're out of the race at the trade deadline, they'll be swarmed with calls seeking starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, along with third baseman Eugenio Suarez, first baseman Josh Naylor and closer Shelby Miller."
Naylor would be a perfect fit for the Astros as he would give Houston a major production boost at the corner infield spot as noted by MLB Trade Rumors.
"The Astros' least-productive spots on the diamond, by measure of wRC+, have been first base, second base, left field and designated hitter," wrote Steve Adams.
Christian Walker is the go-to guy over at first base, but the Astros could certainly use Naylor as a designated hitter. When Yordan Alvarez returns to the lineup, the two sluggers can alternate nightly between DH and the outfield to maximize run production for Houston.
More MLB: Mets 'Monitoring' Bullpen Market; Could Diamondbacks Closer Be Match?
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