TRADE SZN
Realistic, aggressive, and risky trade options to fortify Astros second-half campaign
Jul 23, 2024, 5:14 pm
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.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
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.