Houston Astros: Their 5 Trade Chips Who Can Prove Vital to MLB Playoff Races

The Astros entered the All-Star break losing 17 of their last 20 games, and if it wasn't for the transfer of ownership from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane, the Astros would have most likely made a number of trades by now.

Even though the Astros have been awful this season, there are players who are available and will have an impact on playoff races if traded. I have come up with five players who could have an impact on the playoff race they are traded into.

5. Carlos Lee

The chances that Carlos Lee traded at the deadline are probably very slim as there are a number of hurdles in the way. He is owed $18 million this year as well as next and has a no trade clause in his contract.

If the Astros are able to convince him to waive that clause, they will most likely be limited to teams in the American League as his abilities restrict him to a DH position. With that said, Lee could be an asset to a team needing offense as he has hit pretty well the last few months.

He hit over .300 in May and June and is hitting .270 in July, not to mention he has 20 doubles over this time frame. A team like Tampa could use Lee at the DH position, but they are not normally a team to take on big contracts.

4. Jeff Keppinger

Kepp has been one of the more consistent players for the Astros this season. He played so well this season the team was able to release Bill Hall earlier this season.

This season he is hitting .301 with 16 RBI and 18 runs scored through 39 games. The second baseman would be a great bat coming off the bench or as a starting second baseman.

One team that makes sense for Kepp is Minnesota, who is 6.5 back of AL Central leader Detroit. Every year the Twins seem to be in contention for the division, and I would not be surprised if this year isn't any different. This would allow the Twins to move Alexi Casilla to shortstop the rest of the season and plug Keppinger in at second.

3. Wandy Rodriguez

Wandy has been having a very good year, even though he has hit a rough stretch the past few starts. He is the only Astros' starter with a record of .500 or better and has 10 quality starts through his first 16 starts.

The Yankees is always a possible landing spots for the top players on the trade market, but I could see Wandy ending up with Cleveland or Detroit. The Indians could use a veteran arm in their starting rotation to help some of their young pitchers in their playoff race.

It would make sense for the Tigers as well to pursue Wandy as he could replace Brad Penny, who has been mediocre this year.

2. Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn will be a hot commodity this trade deadline if the Astros make him available. The guy leads the majors in stolen bases with 35 and has been having his strongest year in his career.

He has always been known to steal bases, but he has improved his plate discipline hitting .287 so far. He plays good defense out there in center field and is still pretty young at 28.

The one team that I think makes sense for Bourn is the San Francisco Giants. They are leading the NL West and have a big need for a leadoff hitter and center fielder. 

1. Brett Myers

This may come as a surprise, but I think Brett Myers could be the player who has the biggest impact on playoff races this season. He has struggled this season, especially with home runs, but he has the most experience of any of the players on this list.

His versatility is what makes him so valuable as he has worked as a starter, relief pitcher and even as a closer. He has World Series experience and would provide a veteran presence to staff.

I could see him going to a young team like the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are only three games behind the Giants right now. They have a relativity young staff and Myers could replace pitcher Zach Duke in the rotation.