The MLB trade deadline is still two months away, but rumors are already beginning to fly regarding who could be on the move this summer.
As the defending World Series champions, the Houston Astros fall more into the buyer than seller category. Injury developments have spurred uncertainty both on the mound and at the plate, further enhancing the belief that Houston will be in the market to add talent.
So which trade pieces could the Astros potentially target in the coming weeks? Let's take a look at the key areas that might be addressed.
Another ace
Given the performance of Framber Valdez (an early Cy Young Award candidate) and Cristian Javier (6-1 with a 2.97 ERA), coupled with the breakout rookie season of Hunter Brown, adding another No. 1-caliber starter isn't exactly a pressing issue at the moment for the Astros. That doesn't mean they shouldn't peruse the high-end of the starting pitching market.
Detroit Tigers lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez is an intriguing name to monitor as the summer heats up. He's rebounded from back-to-back four-plus ERA seasons by posting a 2.13 mark through his first 11 starts of 2023, and appears to be pitching at an even higher level than 2019, when he finished sixth in the AL Cy Young vote. The eight-year veteran is on pace to post career-lows in hits, home runs and walks allowed per nine innings. Perhaps the Tigers hold onto him as a centerpiece of a playoff run, as they entered Wednesday just two games back of first place in the AL Central. But for a franchise that doesn't appear close to contending for a championship yet, the best long-term move is likely to deal the 30-year-old for prospects while his value is at its peak.
Related: Astros will be open for business at MLB trade deadline
Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers works up a new baseball during the second inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park on September 12, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan.
Duane Burleson/Getty ImagesA handful of other quality arms could be on the move this summer, as well. Perhaps most notable is Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease, who is struggling to find a groove (4.88 ERA through 12 starts) after finishing second in the Cy Young vote to ex-Astros standout Justin Verlander.
Help at first base
It would be shocking for the Astros to abandon the José Abreu experiment entirely, but unless a substantial turnaround occurs soon, it'll be tough to blame Houston for exploring potential additions at first base. Given that Abreu signed a three-year contract this offseason, as well as the ongoing uncertainty surrounding veteran outfielder Michael Brantley's injury status, a player of Wil Myers' profile becomes increasingly attractive—in theory. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com mentioned Myers as a player receiving trade buzz earlier this month, noting his ability to play first base and both corner outfield spots. The downside to making a move for Myers, despite his versatility and veteran status, is the fact that he's been about as abysmal at the plate as Abreu with a .189/.257/.283 slash line in 2023.
Wil Myers #4 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot park on May 14, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
Sam Navarro/Getty ImagesThere's also an intriguing first baseman with the Miami Marlins, and it's not Yuli Gurriel. Garrett Cooper has ample experience at the position and is capable of serving as a corner outfielder when necessary. If he improves on a slow start (.236/.275/.389 slash line with 48 strikeouts in 38 games entering Tuesday) and returns to near his All-Star form of last year, the Astros could strike gold on what would be a bargain of a deal. Cooper has been substantially better against left-handed pitching (.361/.410/.500) this year, while Abreu has fared better against righties (.241/.293/.270). Perhaps a platoon approach should be considered in the short-term before addressing the future of the position in the offseason.
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Rotation depth
Injuries might force the Astros to consider rotation depth as their greatest necessity heading into the trade deadline, with Luis Garcia out for the year, Jose Urquidy on the injured list and Lance McCullers Jr.'s return timetable continuing to be a mystery. J.P. France and Brandon Bielak have performed respectably since being inserted into the rotation, though even if this duo excels over the next couple weeks, Houston still could search for back-end rotation reinforcements.
Lucas Giolito (White Sox), Alex Wood (San Francisco Giants) and Jordan Montgomery (St. Louis Cardinals) are some potential names to watch.
Less likely options
The long shot: Landing Shohei Ohtani at the trade deadline would instantly be among the biggest blockbuster deals in Astros history. It also could prove quite costly. The Los Angeles Angels have deeper farm systems to raid than Houston's, but if the Astros are able to make a trade for Ohtani, it would all-but-certainly require them parting ways with a greater haul than what they sent the Seattle Mariners for Randy Johnson in 1998. For a player poised to land a record-setting contract in free agency, there's a strong chance Ohtani would be a mid-year rental—just like Johnson. To add a top MVP candidate who is both an ace and an elite slugger, it might be worth it.
Trade for another catcher: The Astros were involved in a pursuit of former All-Star Willson Contreras during the summer and made a midseason trade to acquire Christian Vázquez before last year's World Series run. Yasmani Grandal is a more proven hitter than any catcher on the Astros' roster, and is a likely candidate to be a part of a White Sox fire sale this summer. Though with three catchers on the Astros' roster and prospect Korey Lee tearing up Triple-A, Houston should feel fairly comfortable with its current options at the position.
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