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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Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and Jeremy Peña homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 9-1 on Wednesday.
Houston earned just its second victory in seven games to snap Milwaukee’s three-game winning streak and leave both teams with .500 records. The Brewers were attempting to sweep a series from the Astros for the first time since 2012.
The Astros led 3-1 before Peña broke the game open by delivering a three-run homer to left off reliever Elvin Rodriguez with two outs in the sixth inning.
JP3-run bomb. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/En0XXWdlt0
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Valdez (2-4) struck out seven while allowing three hits, two walks and one run to earn his first win since the Astros’ March 27 season opener. He threw a season-high 101 pitches.
The Framchise is all business.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/J8EGGDk5gl
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Milwaukee’s only run off Valdez came on Eric Haase’s fifth-inning homer, a 425-foot drive to center.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead off Quinn Priester (1-1) in the second inning as Jake Meyers hit a two-out single and scored on Zach Dezenzo’s double.
RBI double for Zach gets us on the board early! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/AilCY27A9d
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The Brewers have lost all 13 games this season in which their opponent scored first.
Five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader worked the ninth while pitching in Milwaukee for the first time since the Brewers traded him in 2022.
Key moment
The Astros led 1-0 and had runners on third and second with one out in the fifth when Peña hit a bouncer to third.
Safe all day. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/OVjcvev7cM
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The throw home beat Dezenzo to the plate. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy initially ruled Dezenzo out, but the Astros challenged the call and replays showed the runner slid home ahead of Haase’s tag.
Key stat
Valdez has now pitched at least seven innings an MLB-leading 57 times since 2020.
Up next
The Astros host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Scheduled pitchers are right-hander Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67) for the Astros and right-hander Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19) for the Reds.
The Brewers visit the Tampa Bay Ray on Friday. Left-hander José Quintana (4-1, 2.83) will pitch for the Brewers.
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