Houston Astros showing interest in this National League slugger, per report
ASTROS HOT STOVE
22 July 2022
ASTROS HOT STOVE
The Houston Astros are coming off an impressive doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees, but that doesn't mean they are going to sit on their hands with the trade deadline approaching. According to Andy Martino, he's hearing that the Astros have interest in adding 29-year-old Nationals first baseman Josh Bell to the mix.
Mets would like Josh Bell, while another league source says Astros pursuing him. https://t.co/APMZgNmljl
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 22, 2022
Soon to be a free agent, Josh Bell, has put together some impressive numbers this year and could certainly provide some "juice" to the Astros lineup. Bell is currently slashing .311/.390/.504 with 13 dingers and an OPS of .895.
Bell would be a welcomed addition to the ball club, considering 1st baseman Yuli Gurriel's steep decline this season after leading the league in batting average in 2021.
Yuli is currently hitting .235 with an OPS of .671. Gurriel finished last season hitting a league-leading .319 and will be a free agent after this year.
Astros GM James Click has until August 2 to make some improvements before the trade deadline passes. You can check out some of Bell's highlights from this season below.
The Houston Texans enter the 2025 season with momentum, expectations, and no shortage of spotlight games. A 9.5-win total in Vegas reflects growing national respect—but also pressure to deliver.
Hot start, big stage
Houston opens with a tough but marquee road test in Los Angeles against the Rams before returning to NRG for a Monday Night Football showdown against the Buccaneers.
Division duels define the path
As always, the AFC South is crucial. Houston faces five division games from Week 3 to Week 13, including a big Jaguars rematch in Week 10. If Trevor Lawrence takes the leap, and his top targets Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter live up to the hype, Jacksonville could be Houston’s biggest in-division threat. Still, with win totals sitting at 7.5 for both the Colts and Jaguars (and 5.5 for the Titans), the Texans have a clear path to control the South.
Midseason grind, late-season edge
The Week 6 bye comes at a smart spot, especially with brutal road games on the horizon: at Seahawks (MNF), home for the 49ers, and a revenge date in Baltimore—all within Weeks 5–8. The stretch from Week 12 to Week 14 (Bills, at Colts, at Chiefs) could define the Texans’ playoff seeding—or whether they make it at all.
But there’s hope in the home stretch. Three of their last four games are at NRG, where Houston has played its best football. If the team’s still in the hunt, hosting the Cardinals, Raiders, and potentially playing for the division title in Week 18 vs. the Colts is a favorable setup.
Key questions ahead
Bottom Line:
The Texans’ 2025 schedule is packed with statement opportunities and divisional tests. There’s enough home cooking in December to fuel a playoff push—but Houston will have to prove it can handle the road, the spotlight, and the rising competition in its own backyard.
Offseason observations
The Texans made some calculated and intriguing moves this offseason, especially on offense. They added dynamic weapons in WRs Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, along with RB Woody Marks, who profiles as the best receiving back in the draft—likely influenced by the Patriots’ historical use of third-down specialists like James White and Shane Vereen. OC Nick Caley, OL Coach Cole Popovich, and GM Nick Caserio all have a history with the Pats.
Protecting C.J. Stroud remains a clear priority too, as the Texans added OT Aireontae Ursery in the draft and created a true open competition on the offensive line through free agency, featuring a deep group.
One of the most notable moves recently was Higgins’ fully guaranteed four-year, $11.7 million deal—a rarity for non-first-rounders. That level of commitment from Caserio signals strong conviction in both Higgins’ talent and character. It also hints that Houston may have considered him with their original 25th overall pick before trading back. With Patriots alumni like Caley and Popovich now on staff, and Caserio pulling the strings, it’s clear the Texans are building a system that blends New England and Rams discipline with Houston’s new-wave of offensive firepower.
We have so much more to discuss. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
*ChatGPT assisted.
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