Some controversial trade targets could be in consideration for Houston Astros
DEADLINE DEALS
21 June 2023
The Houston Astros are currently going through a rough patch and the team could use a boost to the offense with Yordan Alvarez out for the next several weeks.
According to reports, the Astros may be looking to add a left-handed bat to the lineup, and three names have been thrown out that the team may consider.
MLB Trade Deadline update: Source confirms Astros are looking at left-handed bats. In today’s @MLBNetwork segment, I identified one potential acquisition who just played against Houston. @MLBNetworkRadio pic.twitter.com/HYl5Ylo4l4
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 16, 2023
Cubs OF Cody Bellinger, Nationals OF Corey Dickerson, and A's 1B/OF Seth Brown are some names that might make sense for Houston. Ideally, Michael Brantley could fill this role for the team, but he still hasn't returned from his shoulder injury and the team may be concerned that he won't make it back fully healthy.
Astros fans would definitely take issue with Houston hater Bellinger, but he's not the only player fans would scoff at. Former Yankees closer and current Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman could also been in play. The Royals will likely be sellers with a 20-53 record and Chapman currently has a 2.84 ERA.
Plus, the team could use some bullpen help, with Ryan Pressly not being as dominant this year, and Rafael Montero having a disastrous season to date.
So which player would Astros fans rather have if they had to pick one, Bellinger or Chapman?
Don't miss the video above as we lay it all out.
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How 3 major x-factors could tip the scales in Texans-Colts: Week 1
Sep 5, 2024, 7:27 pm
The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!
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