Don't be surprised when the Rockets make a bold move. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of the Houston Rockets’ offseason — the trade rumors, the dream scenarios, and the hard questions every fan is asking right now. Whether it's chasing stars or shuffling the role players, nothing is off the table.
We start by taking a serious look at Donovan Mitchell — is he the kind of talent worth giving up a major package for, or would he disrupt the current build? From there, we shift to the impact of injuries on trade value and ask: who should the Rockets move, and what’s the realistic return?
We’re also talking big picture: what are the Rockets actually missing to make the leap? Is it scoring? Defense? Veteran leadership?
Then there’s the Ace Bailey debate — is he the future or fool’s gold? We break down the hype vs. reality.
And of course, we had to touch on the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors. If he’s committed to staying in the East, does that shut down any Houston hope — or was that pipe dream already dead?
Finally, we explore a wild card: Jrue Holiday to Houston. Could his leadership and defense be the missing piece? Or is it just a mismatch?
Plenty of hot takes, real questions, and trade-machine madness. Let’s talk Rockets.
Don't miss the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank break it all down.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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Jake Meyers hit a go-ahead home run, and Josh Hader stranded a runner on third in the ninth inning to preserve the Houston Astros' 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Chandler Simpson reached on catcher's interference to begin the ninth against Hader. Simpson advanced on a ground out before stealing third. Hader then got Taylor Wells to pop up a bunt and Isaac Paredes to pop out near third for his 12th save in 12 opportunities.
Meyers went 2 for 3 and hit his third home run on the second pitch from reliever Manuel Rodriguez (0-2) to put the Astros ahead in the seventh.
Meyers walked, stole his eighth base and scored on a double by Cam Smith as part of a three-run first inning against Rays starter Ryan Pepiot. Victor Caratini opened the scoring with his third home run — a two-out solo shot — and Chas McCormick capped it with an RBI single.
Houston's Colton Gordon — a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, making his second career start — allowed a single to Yandy Díaz leading off the first then retired 12 straight until Brandon Lowe singled in the fifth. Danny Jansen followed with his third homer to make it 3-2. Díaz and José Caballero had back-to-back doubles in the sixth to tie it.
Gordon allowed three runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. Bryan King (2-0) got four outs for the win.
Pepiot allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings.
Key moment
King allowed a walk and a single to begin the seventh with a one-run lead but came back to strike out both Taylor Walls and pinch-hitter Jonathan Aranda swinging. Bryan Abreu entered and got Díaz on a grounder for the third out.
Key stat
The Rays have gone 10-8 on the road but just 11-18 at George M. Steinbrenner Field — their temporary home.
Up next
Rays RHP Zack Littell (3-5 4.31) starts Tuesday's middle game. The Astros have not announced a starter.
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