Astros predicted to trade 20-homer slugger to make most of seller's market

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The Houston Astros are currently in contention for a postseason spot, as they're 47-51, just 3.0 games back in the AL West, and 1.5 games back in the AL Wild Card.

But, despite being within striking distance of the postseason, Houston could still look to sell some pieces at the deadline. If they do decide to sell a few pieces, there's one 20-homer slugger who would make a lot of sense as a trade chip.

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted that the Astros will trade this slugger, Christian Walker, at the August 3 deadline to make the most of the seller's market.

Astros predicted to trade Christian Walker at deadline

"Houston Astros: Christian Walker moves at the deadline," Reuter predicts. "... In a thin market for impact bats, the Astros now have a chance to move a contract that looked like a sunk cost."

Reuter is predicting that the Astros will take advantage of Walker's recuperated trade value and part with the veteran first baseman this summer.

Walker, the 35-year-old first baseman, is in year two of a three-year, $60 million contract. Last year, it looked like a major blunder, as he posted 0.3 bWAR in 154 games with a .238 average and .717 OPS with 27 total homers.

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This season, Walker has already reached 20 homers and has 1.8 bWAR in 96 games with a .237 average and a .775 OPS. He's having a bounce-back season.

But, instead of keeping him, the Astros could look to trade him and make the most of his recovered trade value. It would make sense, as there might not be a better time to trade Walker than right now.

He finally has some trade value, and with this year's deadline being a seller's market, the Astros, a team that is a few games under .500 coming out of the All-Star break and doesn't look like a very likely World Series contender, have reason to trade Walker.

This prediction from Reuter would make a lot of sense for the Astros, as Walker's value might not be greater than it is now. While they could still compete for a postseason spot, the Astros might not have another chance to trade Walker than this summer.