The Houston Astros’ long-term success has hinged on key decisions, none more impactful than their choice to keep Jose Altuve. Since his debut more than ten years ago, Altuve has been central to the franchise’s achievements. However, the team once nearly traded him to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Eric Hosmer, a move that could have dramatically altered the Astros’ future.
The near-trade involving Jose Altuve near-trade with Royals surfaced during a conversation on the Crush City Territory podcast, where former Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow revealed how the teams briefly explored the possibility.
We did have a conversation about it,
Luhnow shared.
It didn’t go very far. At the time, we weren’t looking to trade Jose Altuve. We were looking to acquire Eric Hosmer.
Insights into the Preliminary Discussions
The Astros aimed to strengthen their lineup while the Royals were gaining momentum in Major League Baseball. Luhnow characterized the exchange as informal, mainly exploratory rather than a formal proposal.
It was not an official trade offer; it was one of those, ‘Hey, would you consider it?’ And it was a very short conversation, so it didn’t go anywhere,
he explained. The brief dialogue reflected internal curiosity rather than a genuine trade negotiation.
Consequences Had the Trade Occurred
Although no concrete offers emerged, trading away Altuve would have had enormous implications. His leadership and consistent performance have been vital to the Astros’ identity and achievements, including their World Series victories. Losing a player of his caliber might have left the franchise struggling to reach those heights.
Comparing the Careers of Altuve and Hosmer
Both players entered Major League Baseball in 2011 at the age of 21. Hosmer contributed notably to the Royals’ success, especially their 2015 World Series championship, but his overall career impact pales compared to Altuve’s. Over a 13-year period, Hosmer has accumulated a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 19.1, whereas Altuve’s WAR stands at an impressive 53.2 through 15 seasons and counting.
This contrast highlights the significance of the Astros retaining Altuve. While Hosmer’s role in Kansas City was important, the Astros’ star second baseman’s extraordinary career significantly outweighs what Houston would have gained from the trade.
A Close Call That Reflected Roster Management Challenges
The mere contemplation of trading Altuve reminds fans and analysts how fragile and unpredictable MLB roster strategies can be. Luhnow’s candid remarks about the near-trade offer emphasize that even minor inquiries can later seem pivotal in hindsight. The Astros’ decision to hold onto Altuve has proven to be a defining move in the franchise’s recent history.
The near-trade remains a telling example of how decisions made behind the scenes in the front office carry profound consequences. Altuve’s continued presence helped fuel Houston’s resurgence in the late 2010s and early 2020s, reinforcing the importance of the choices made during that period.