4 potential targets including Blake Snell

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown plans to go big-game hunting in the pitching market before the trade deadline. And some interesting options could become available over the next week.

The Astros have been one of the biggest stories in baseball in recent weeks. After struggling for much of the first half of the season, they have bounced back and are now tied for first in the American League West. After weeks of being considered potential sellers ahead of the deadline, Houston will likely be looking to add rather than subtract.

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General manager Dana Brown confirmed that news on Monday, but he also said the Cardinals are not only looking to bolster their starting rotation, but are also looking to sign a front-line pitcher before July 30.

“We’re going to try to think big and see if there’s a deal that makes sense for the organization,” Brown said on MLB Network Radio this week. “If that doesn’t work out, we’ll go down to the mid-level and hopefully we can get something there. But it doesn’t hurt to ask. When you’re going through this, ask and you shall receive sometimes. We want to try to think big, and if we don’t, we’ll try to move up to the mid-level so we can get through this.”

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the biggest names the Houston Astros might be able to acquire before this month’s trade deadline.

• Houston Astros Record: 52-48

4 Big-Time Pitchers the Houston Astros Could Target Before the MLB Trade Deadline

Blake Snell

After sitting out much of spring training and joining the San Francisco Giants early in the regular season, Blake Snell has had a rough 2024. He’s dealt with injuries and things that haven’t lived up to what he showed in 2023. However, in recent starts, the reigning NL Cy Young has looked much better and he’d be a big addition for the second half.

His $38.5 million player option for next season could make a deal problematic. But Snell has long been expected to opt out and test free agency again this winter. A strong second half of the season with a serious World Series contender will likely spare the Astros that bill in 2025.

Also read: Houston Astros GM reveals big plans ahead of MLB trade deadline

Max Scherzer

Yes, Texas Rangers ace Max Scherzer recently suggested he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause for a third season. But if he can leave a sinking ship in Arlington, to stay in-state with a title contender, would you be surprised if he waived that no-trade clause? The biggest obstacle to making a trade is whether the Rangers would rather pay off the remainder of the future Hall of Famer’s contract than help a major league rival.

Yusei Kikuchi

There’s a lot of talk about who the Toronto Blue Jays could trade this week. However, the one with the best chance of being traded is likely starter Yusei Kikuchi. The former All-Star is having a tough season, but on a better team, he could make an impact down the stretch. Plus, he’ll be off the books after this season.

Also read: Where do the Houston Astros rank in our latest MLB power rankings?

Tyler Anderson

Two-time All-Star Tyler Anderson is a very good starting pitcher who is flying under the radar while the spotlight is on the Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal markets. The 34-year-old is having a breakout year and wouldn’t be paying the price of the aforementioned stars. Plus, he’ll only make $13 million next season.

But like Scherzer, the Los Angeles Angels could turn down any deal just to upset a division rival.