How crucial ingredients for an Astros-Yankees trade are quickly adding up
TRADE RUMORS SWIRLING
14 July 2023
The Houston Astros have a big opportunity ahead of them, and they're looking for ways to improve the club with the trade deadline on the horizon. Astros GM Dana Brown has stated that trading some of the team's outfield depth for another major league player could be a tactic they employ.
In fact, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Yankees (who could use some outfield help with Judge injured) reached out to ask about Chas McCormick.
Via:The Athletic
"We’re exploring trading major-league player for major-league player with teams that are contending that make sense,” Brown said. “We have a lot of outfielders right now..."
The Yankees had previous interest in McCormick, according to major-league sources who were granted anonymity so they could speak candidly. McCormick’s opposite-field power would appear ideal for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. The teams, however, never got close on a deal.
First of all, who could blame any team for calling about Chas? The Astros still haven't fully committed to him in center field. Perhaps the Astros don't value him as much as other teams? Hey, it doesn't hurt to call.
But would the Astros entertain trading McCormick to the Yankees? Doubtful. Houston's top priority now is adding a starting pitcher. The Yankees have so many injuries to their rotation that a move like that wouldn't make sense for either party, so it stands to reason that a deal never got close.
Shipping off McCormick also would seriously impact the Astros depth. If they move Mauricio Dubon to center, their infield depth immediately takes a hit, and counting on Jake Meyers feels like a scary proposition. Plus, McCormick is one of the best hitters on a team that's struggling offensively (17th in team OPS).
So if not Chas, or a trade with the Yankees, would one of the Astros other outfielders provide any value in a trade? And which player would you rather see moved?
Don't miss the video above as we cover all the angles!
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Astros deliver perfect answer to Thursday night’s gut punch
May 30, 2025, 9:41 pm
Yainer Diaz homered with two outs in the ninth inning and Framber Valdez pitched a three-hitter to lead the Houston Astros to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
THIS IS EL MATÍN. pic.twitter.com/Ynz9rAtiq8
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 31, 2025
The score was tied 1-1 entering the ninth. Garrett Cleavinger (0-1) struck out Jose Altuve and Christian Walker before Diaz sent a 98 mph sinker into the seats in right field to set off a wild celebration.
Valdez (5-4) gave up a homer to Jose Caballero in the first inning and tied a season high with nine strikeouts in his ninth career complete game and second this season.
Houston trailed 1-0 when Jake Meyers doubled to center field with no outs in the eighth inning and scored on Zach Dezenzo's single on a grounder. Dezenzo moved to second on a throwing error by second baseman Curtis Mead on the play.
Caballero homered on Valdez’s second pitch to give the Rays an early lead. The homer was just his second this season and the first since April 9.
Rays starter Ryan Pepiot allowed two hits in 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his second strong start after he threw seven scoreless innings in his last start.
Valdez retired 12 straight before Jonathan Aranda singled on a chopper to first base to start the fifth. Valdez got right back on track, striking out Danny Jansen before Mead grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Valdez sailed through the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, sitting down nine straight batters with three strikeouts.
Taylor Walls singled with one out in the ninth before Caballero walked. Walls was caught stealing third and Valdez retired Yandy Díaz on a groundout to complete his night.
Walker singled with two outs in the seventh to chase Pepiot. Kevin Kelly took over and was greeted with a single by Diaz. The Astros came away empty when Kelly struck out Cam Smith.
Key moment
The home run by Diaz allowed Houston to rally after losing the series opener 13-3.
Key stat
Valdez needed just 83 pitches to complete the game.
Up next
Rays RHP Zack Littell (4-5, 3.97 ERA) opposes Astros LHP Colton Gordon (0-0, 3.52) on Saturday.
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