How Houston Astros are finding crucial answers at just the right time
PAIR OF ACES
30 August 2023
After some struggles over the last few weeks, the Astros starting rotation seems to be getting back on track with encouraging performances from Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and JP France.
The bullpen looks to be in good shape as well, despite one rough outing from Ryan Pressly over the weekend. And Kendall Graveman appears to be just what the doctor ordered, giving Dusty Baker one more high leverage arm to deploy late in games.
But is it enough? Do the Astros have enough pitching to hold off the Mariners and Rangers?
Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!
If you enjoy the videos, subscribe on YouTube for our latest content!
Listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.
Rumors have been swirling in recent days about the possible reunion between the Astros and Carlos Correa. Correa made the trade sound like an unlikely possibility on Wednesday, but now, it appears it's happening.
According multiple sources, including MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, the Astros are trading for Correa.
Source: The Astros are have agreed to a deal to reacquire Carlos Correa in a trade with the Twins.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 31, 2025
With third baseman Isaac Paredes likely unavailable until next season, this move makes a lot of sense for a team trying to win a World Series this season.
Correa has already agreed to play third base, with Jeremy Pena remaining at shortstop. Carlos is guaranteed $96 million through the next three seasons.
Correa is slashing .267/.319/.386 this season, not exactly the numbers we expect from Correa. But he was terrific in 2024, so hopefully a change of scenery sparks more production.
However, a deeper look at the numbers shows Correa has been much better as of late. He's slashing .308/.373/.421 with 2 homers and 9 RBIs over his last 30 games.
What did the Astros give up?
Details of the trade are finally being released. The Twins are paying $33 million of Correa's remaining $103.42 million contract.
The Minnesota Twins are paying a whopping $33 million of Carlos Correa's remaining $103.42 contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2025
The Twins will receive LHP prospect Matt Mikulski, per Bob Nightengale.
