WHEELING AND DEALING
Examining newest Astros trade reports, priorities, and opportunities to fortify Houston
Jul 16, 2024, 6:44 pm
Let's make a deal! Composite Getty Image.
The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Astros have already been linked to several intriguing names across baseball.
Astros GM Dana Brown has reportedly been in conversations with the Mets about first baseman Pete Alonso and pitcher Luis Severino, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
Bowden is also reporting that Brown has asked about Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, and White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet.
Considering the Astros' needs, pitching appears to be the club's top priority, with Justin Verlander still on the IL and Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers not guaranteed to contribute this season.
While it would be nice to upgrade at first base, Jon Singleton and Mauricio Dubon have done a decent job since Jose Abreu was released earlier this year.
The other factor to consider is which teams will actually be sellers at the deadline. It's hard to believe the Mets and Diamondbacks will be looking to sell based on their records at the All Star break. New York currently holds the third wild card spot, and the D-Backs are only a game behind them.
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine which players would be the best fit for Houston, what they would have to give up in the trade, the likelihood of getting a deal done, and much more!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.