Realistic, aggressive, and risky trade options to fortify Astros second-half campaign
TRADE SZN
23 July 2024
Will the Astros be active on the trade market?Composite Getty Image.
We are officially one week away from the MLB trade deadline, and the Astros certainly could use a boost to the starting rotation. And while a top of the rotation starter would be nice, it might not be necessary for this club.
The Astros need some fresh arms to come in and eat some innings, so a back of the rotation starter might do the trick.
With that in mind, we discussed some options the Astros might consider, posed by The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
White Sox RHP Chris Flexen (ERA over 5!), Colorado’s LHP Austin Gomber (4.70 ERA) and A's RHP Paul Blackburn (currently pitching rehab starts in the minors).
Clearly, these guys aren't going to impress anyone with their numbers this season, but that's one of the reasons they could be available.
What about the offense?
If the Astros are interested in adding a big time bat, Rome believes Rays infielder Isaac Paredes (age 25) could be a good fit with his ability to play multiple positions on the infield, including first and third base. Which could come in handy if the Astros move on from Alex Bregman after the season.
However, a move like this wouldn't come cheap as Paredes was an All-Star this year, and hit 31 bombs in 2023.
Pallilo Points
Our own Charlie Pallilo also threw out some names the 'Stros could consider. Which include: Angels LHP Tyler Anderson (2.91 ERA), White Sox RHP Eric Fedde, or Blue Jays starters Chris Bassitt (3.71 ERA, big salary next year) and Yusei Kikuchi (rental, 4.54 ERA).
Finally, if the squad can't find the right deal for a starter, would they consider adding two relievers to bolster the bullpen? And if so, could we see the return of Yimi Garcia?
Don't miss the video above for our full trade deadline preview!
*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.
Astros-Reds opener could hinge on these critical factors
May 9, 2025, 12:30 pm
The Houston Astros (18-18) return home Friday night to open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds (19-20), with first pitch set for 8:10 p.m. EDT at Daikin Park.
Riding the arm of one of baseball’s hottest starters, Houston hands the ball to Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67 ERA), who has been dominant through his first seven starts. Brown enters the game with a sparkling 0.88 WHIP and 49 strikeouts, looking to keep the Astros trending in the right direction.
Cincinnati counters with right-hander Nicholas Martinez (1-3, 4.19 ERA), who has been steady but not overpowering, and will face an Astros lineup that’s shown signs of life, hitting .269 over its last 10 games.
At 11-7 at home, Houston has played solid baseball, but has struggled in close contests, going just 3-5 in one-run games. The Reds arrive having dropped seven of their last 10 and are hitting just .205 in that stretch. Their .242 team batting average ranks ninth in the National League, but they’ve been outscored by 14 runs over the past 10 games.
Jeremy Peña continues to pace the Astros’ offense with 11 extra-base hits, while catcher Yainer Diaz has been red-hot, batting .342 with two homers and eight RBIs over the last 10 games. For Cincinnati, Gavin Lux and Jose Trevino have done the heavy lifting lately, but the lineup as a whole has scuffled.
With the BetMGM line favoring the Astros at -178 and an over/under of 7.5, this one projects as a pitcher’s duel—especially if Brown continues to deal.
Friday marks the first meeting between these two teams this season.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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