How latest Astros updates are raising eyebrows, trade questions
BUYERS AT THE DEADLINE?
30 May 2023
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker gave an update on Lance McCullers this week and revealed that McCullers is no longer throwing off the mound.
Considering it's almost June and McCullers had a recent setback in his recovery, should fans expect to see McCullers at any point this season?
Plus, the Astros are first in team ERA despite all the injuries to the pitching staff. Which player do the Astros need more right now, Michael Brantley or McCullers?
Finally, should the Astros consider trading for some starting pitching based on the McCullers news?
Watch the video above to find out!
Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.
If you enjoy our video content, subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss our latest content.
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.
