TOP TRADE TARGETS
Astros trade buzz heating up with 5 intriguing possibilities
Jul 28, 2025, 1:14 pm
The trade deadline is this Thursday, and Cedric Mullins could be available. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
With the trade deadline less than a week away, the Astros will look to become buyers to maintain their status as one of the best teams in baseball.
It's no secret that Houston is dealing with a myriad of injuries and could make a move or two to help offset their losses.
Astros general manager Dana Brown has already been on the record saying the team will be "prioritizing bats" to improve their roster before the July 31 deadline.
Last year, Houston needed a starting pitcher, so they acquired Yusei Kikuchi before the trade deadline.
This season is the opposite, for the Astros will be looking to add either an infielder or an outfielder to their lineup.
Players like Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez are expected to return in August, but others, such as Isaac Paredes and Jake Meyers, may be out for an extended period. Thus, giving the Astros a need to upgrade both third base and their outfield.
Luckily, there are plenty of players the Astros could pursue to fill those voids.
Willi Castro
Recent reports have connected Houston with Minnesota Twins super utility man Willi Castro.
The 28-year-old is a versatile switch-hitter who can play multiple positions and would essentially be another Mauricio Dubon but with slightly better offensive numbers this season.
The Puerto Rico native has a .254/.342/.423 slash line and 10 homers in 331 plate appearances this year and could give Houston a much-needed consistent bat to help mitigate their offensive struggles.
With the uncertainty of Parades' injury, it would behoove the Astros to move Dubon to third base full-time and make Castro their new utility player if this trade were to come to fruition.
Eugenio Suárez
Multiple teams, including the Astros, have had conversations about acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
Recent reports have indicated Houston is interested in the 34-year-old slugger and may have the pieces to pull this trade off.
With the injury to Isaac Parades, the Astros need a third baseman to make up for his absence and production.
Suárez would more than fill the hole at third, as he is tied with Kyle Schwarber for second place in the National League in home runs (36) and could see his power numbers increase by playing more games at Daikin Park.
The Venezuelan native will become a free agent at season's end, so it shouldn't cost the Astros a king's ransom to acquire him.
Nolan Arenado
Another third baseman who has been on the Astros' radar is Nolan Arenado.
During the offseason, there was a deal in place to bring the Platinum Glove Award-winning player to Houston. Ultimately, Arenado used his no-trade clause to block the move, as it was indicated he was unsure of the Astros' future.
Fast-forward to July, and the Astros are one of the best teams in baseball, and the Cardinals are a team slightly above .500 with an outside shot to make the postseason.
St. Louis would be willing to move on from Arenado for the right price, and he would be an instant upgrade at third base for the Astros.
This season, the 8x All-Star has seen his offensive numbers decline, but continues to be one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball.
Similar to Suarez, Arenado could see his offensive numbers increase playing at the more hitter-friendly Daikin Park and would give the Astros an upgrade at third base while Parades is out.
Nonetheless, we might want to pump the brakes. According to a recent report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Arenado is no longer being considered a trade option by Houston.
Cedric Mullins
Last month, reports indicated the Astros were in talks with the Orioles about acquiring outfielder Cedric Mullins.
The North Carolina native is posting career-low numbers this season offensively, but a change in scenery could be just what he needs.
Mullins has a career slash line of .249/.317/.423 and would give the Astros an upgrade in centerfield over what they currently have.
Houston currently has either Chas McCormick or Taylor Trammell in center. Mullins could step in and become the everyday center fielder and would likely move to left field once Meyers returns.
The 30-year-old shouldn't cost too much to acquire, for he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Given the Astros' long list of injuries, Mullins could be a much-needed depth piece to give them options in their lineup down the stretch.
Ryan O'Hearn
This season, Ryan O'Hearn is having a career year at the plate and was the American League's starting designated hitter at the All-Star Game.
The former Sam Houston State product will be sought after by multiple teams ahead of Thursday's deadline, as he plays on a last-place Orioles team and has an expiring contract.
O'Hearn would be a low-risk, high-reward rental player the Astros could utilize in the outfield, at first base or as their primary designated hitter until Yordan Alvarez returns and alternate the two in left field and at DH.
Acquiring the 32-year-old shouldn't cost too much and would give the Astros a consistent bat to add to their lineup.
Another starting pitcher
Houston is about to get some reinforcements when pitchers Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia and J.P. France all return in some capacity from their rehab assignments.
Despite the influx of starting pitchers the team will be receiving, one can never be too safe, and the Astros could still be in the market for more arms.
Sandy Alcantara's name has surfaced in recent trade rumors and would be a dream acquisition if the Astros could acquire the former Cy-Young Award winner.
A more realistic option would be Mitch Keller from the Pirates.
The 29-year-old has a 4-10 record with a 3.53 ERA on a last-place Pittsburgh team that doesn't score a lot of runs (just look at Paul Skenes' run support numbers).
Keller is likely to be on the move before Thursday's deadline, and the Astros could also use another quality starting pitcher to bolster their rotation.
Other options could be Miami Marlins hurler Edward Cabrera or Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, just to name a few.
It is more likely that Houston will look to add position players, but it wouldn't be surprising if the team were to see what pitching options are available ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
So long as Dana Brown makes the right moves and players return from injuries promptly, the Astros will be well-positioned to make another playoff run and remain as one of the best teams in baseball.
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If you were hoping the Houston Astros could survive their injury avalanche without reinforcements, this past week should shake that optimism. Getting swept at home by the lowly Oakland Athletics isn’t just an embarrassment, it’s a warning flare straight to GM Dana Brown’s office.
Yes, this was a wake-up call. Houston’s offense is simply too depleted to keep treading water while waiting for reinforcements. The moment Isaac Paredes went down with a hamstring injury, the offense unraveled, and the numbers back it up. In the seven days since losing their best power bat, the Astros rank 28th in runs scored, 23rd in home runs, 25th in OPS and 20th in batting average. That’s a drastic drop-off for a team that ranks second in batting average and 12th in OPS on the season.
And it’s not just Paredes’ absence. Cam Smith, one of the Astros' brightest early-season surprises, is stuck in a deep slump. Over his last seven games, he’s hitting .087. Stretch that to 15 games, and he’s at .140 with a .175 slugging percentage. That's not a cold streak — that’s a free fall. Perhaps giving him a regular spot in the batting order might provide more stability for the rookie.
Help is on the way!
So is there any hope left? In theory, yes. The pitching cavalry is on the way. Spencer Arrighetti has one more rehab start before returning. Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia are expected to follow soon after. JP France isn’t far off either. On paper, that could give Houston the rotation depth needed for another deep October push.
But theory only takes you so far. Injuries continue to mount. Just days after praising the rotation’s resilience, Brendan Rodgers showed up with elbow inflammation and Lance McCullers Jr. landed on the IL with blister issues. If the reinforcements don’t all arrive — and perform — without setbacks, the Astros could be in real trouble.
Yordan Alvarez’s situation adds another layer of anxiety. Dana Brown might be tempted to rush him back at less than full strength, and while 75% of Yordan may still be better than some of the current options, it’s a risky bet. One wrong step could lead to a setback that erases any hope of getting him at all when it matters most.
So no, Brown can’t afford to sit on his hands at the deadline. In fact, this may be the most pivotal deadline of his tenure. With Framber Valdez likely in his final stretch in Houston and the rotation still featuring two frontline arms, the window is now.
Whether or not Brown is allowed to spend aggressively could ultimately depend on Jim Crane’s willingness to cross the luxury tax line. If he greenlights an aggressive push, the Astros have enough upside, even with the injuries, to go for it. But a quiet deadline may signal that the front office sees this team as a year away.
Bottom line: if the Astros truly believe they can get Yordan and several arms back in time for a playoff push, now is the moment to act. Because after a weekend like this, it’s clear the current version of the roster isn’t enough. We'll get our answer by Thursday's deadline.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional LIVE episode this Thursday!
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