3 important reasons Astros should trade this player for a prospect before deadline
WHEELING AND DEALING
13 July 2022
Astros GM James Click should be working the phones. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
ESPN Houston's The Killer B's discuss starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi's value on the market, and make the case for trading him before the MLB Trade Deadline.
Jeremy Branham shared several reasons why this would make sense for Houston.
(If you would prefer reading them instead of watching the video below, please scroll down.)
Would you trade Jake Odorizzi for a prospect a the deadline?
— ESPN 97.5 Houston (@espn975) July 12, 2022
The Killer B's: @PackManJoel & @JeremyBranham pic.twitter.com/8xpzwmSims
1. The Astros would likely get a good prospect for Odorizzi because he's pitched well this year, and in general over the course of his career. And of course, starting pitching is always in demand.
2. The Astros could use the money they are paying Odorizzi to go get a bullpen arm in free agency for next season.
3. Many of the Astros top prospects in the organization are a little older, with several already on the roster or in Triple A. A top prospect would help replenish the farm system.
Astros look to stay in control as division pace quickens
Jun 18, 2025, 4:13 pm
Coming off a dominant offensive performance, the Houston Astros return to the field Wednesday night looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Athletics. Cam Smith’s four-hit breakout powered a 13-3 rout on Tuesday, and now the Astros aim to take control of the series in Game 3 of the four-game set.
Houston, sitting atop the AL West at 42-31, will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez has been in strong form all season, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.10 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 2025. He’ll be looking to build on Houston’s recent pitching success. The Astros have held opponents to a 2.60 ERA over their last 10 games while going 7-3 in that span and outscoring opponents by 24 runs.
The A’s will counter with veteran right-hander Luis Severino, who enters with a 2-6 record and a 4.47 ERA. While his season has been inconsistent, Severino still has the ability to miss bats and will look to keep an Astros lineup in check that’s hitting .271 over its last 10 contests.
The Athletics come in at 30-45 overall and 13-24 at home, and though they've dropped three of four to the Astros this season, the power potential is always there. The A’s have launched 92 home runs so far — seventh-most in the majors — with Tyler Soderstrom and Max Muncy continuing to anchor the offense. Soderstrom has already racked up 14 homers and 45 RBIs on the year, while Muncy has gone deep three times over his last 10 games.
Houston’s offense has been steadily rising, fueled by key performances from both veterans and emerging talent. Jeremy Peña continues to provide steady production with 15 doubles and nine homers on the year, while rookie Cam Smith has caught fire, going 14-for-40 with four doubles and two homers in his last 10 games.
The Astros are 33-13 this season when they out-hit their opponent, and they’ll look to follow that blueprint again Wednesday. First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m. EDT in West Sacramento, with Houston holding a 3-1 edge in the season series.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -162, Athletics +136; over/under is 9 runs
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