How to decipher Astros GM's latest cryptic trade comments
CRACKING THE CODE
13 July 2023
The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Astros still have some needs to fill before they make their charge toward the postseason. Astros GM Dana Brown spoke on the team's flagship station this week and said the team's priority is now to add a starting pitcher.
Brown also said that fans shouldn't expect a “home run” trade before the deadline, but a “double” is certainly a possibility they are focusing on. So what do these terms mean as far as connecting some possible names to the team?
Well, we believe we can eliminate a few names right off the bat. Angels' Shohei Ohtani, Cubs' Marcus Stroman, Mets' Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Padres' Blake Snell should be out of contention. It's also hard this time of year knowing exactly which teams will be buyers and sellers come Aug. 1.
But what about Guardians' Shane Bieber and White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito? One could argue that their past success should count as a home run, but only Dana Brown knows for sure.
Two names we feel definitely should apply are Cardinals' Jordan Montgomery, and Tigers' Eduardo Rodriguez. Both pitchers have produced multiple seasons with at least 30 starts, but they aren't considered top targets. Montgomery's ERA has been pretty impressive, but his stuff doesn't jump off the page when it comes to advanced analytics.
Rodriguez does check some boxes for the analytics nerds, but neither Montgomery nor Rodriguez have the spin rate that the Astros are known for coveting. If spin is what the Astros crave, Padres' Seth Lugo (curveball 99th percentile spin rate) and Tigers' Michael Lorenzen (plus fastball spin rate) could appeal to the Astros. But neither pitcher has made 30 starts in one season.
If the Astros go discount shopping, they will likely have to pick between spin rate, and legit pitching pedigree and production.
Finally, is Dana Brown right to prioritize a starting pitcher over a left-handed hitter? The Astros have the second-best team ERA this year, and are 17th in OPS?
Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!
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Ninth-inning heroics push Astros past Royals in thriller
May 13, 2025, 9:59 pm
Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.
Owner of the Crawford Boxes. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/sn3gxOJqmG
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 14, 2025
The game was tied at 1 after a home run by Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning when Paredes led off the bottom of the ninth against John Schreiber (1-2). He sent his second pitch to left-center field for his fifth homer this season, giving Houston the win after Kansas City took the series opener Monday.
Both teams got strong outings from their starters. Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed six hits and a run with seven strikeouts in eight innings. Kris Bubic yielded six hits and a run and tied a career high with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.
Bryan Abreu (1-1) struck out one in a scoreless ninth for the win.
Hunter Renfroe doubled off the wall in left-center field with one out in the eighth. Valdez plunked Jonathan India on the foot with two outs, but he induced a groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. to end his night.
Maikel Garcia walked to open the fifth before a single by Vinnie Pasquantino sent him to third. The Royals took a 1-0 lead when Freddy Fermin singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Garcia.
Peña’s home run to left field tied it with no outs in the sixth.
TIE BALLGAME!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/wN7OAFUc8r
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 14, 2025
Jose Altuve followed with a double on a grounder down the third base line, but Bubic retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts, to leave him stranded.
Jake Meyers singled to start Houston’s seventh, but was out at second when Cam Smith grounded into a force out. Bubic was replaced by Lucas Erceg and he picked off Smith at first before striking out Brendan Rodgers to end the inning.
Key moment
The home run by Paredes.
Key stat
Peña has three homers, four doubles, 24 hits and 13 RBIs in 15 games since moving to the leadoff spot.
Up next
Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon in the series finale Wednesday night. Gordon will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut.
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