Houston Astros Viewed as ‘Potential Fit’ for Possible Trade Target

After starting the season as one of the worst teams in baseball, the Houston Astros are now just 2.0 games behind the Seattle Mariners for first in the American League West. The Mariners’ recent struggles, going 3-7 in their last 10 games, have certainly helped, but the Astros have looked like one of the league’s best clubs in recent weeks.

The scary thing for the rest of baseball is that they’re not even healthy yet. When Houston gets all of their best players back and adds the ones they trade, there’s a chance they’ll be in position to win another World Series.

Pitching is a big focus heading into the trade deadline. The Astros might need a first baseman, but pitching is still the biggest priority, and with all the injuries they’ve dealt with on that front, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll add a starter or two.

It’s not clear they’ll try to draft depth players over stars. Houston might be better off drafting two mid-level starters over a top-tier ace.

There are arguments for both sides, but they need players who can win sets.

There’s been talk in recent weeks that Jack Flaherty is someone the Astros are interested in, and he could be the perfect arm.

Even though Flaherty has pitched like an ace and could be expensive in this buyer’s market, they should be able to get him at a good enough price to still be able to land another arm.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand listed 16 potential trade candidates around the league and potential candidates for each. He said Houston is a good fit for the right-hander.

“Flaherty is expected to be one of the top starting pitchers on the trade market this month, and his performance in June only increased the Tigers’ price tag. The 28-year-old went 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA in four starts, striking out 25 batters while allowing just four walks in 21 1/3 innings.

“A back issue caused Detroit to abandon its last round in the rotation, but as long as the injury doesn’t linger, Flaherty – who is making $14 million this season before becoming a free agent in the offseason – should have a number of suitors in the coming weeks.”

The California native had a rough outing in his last start, allowing five earned runs and three home runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched. However, in 15 starts and 89.0 innings pitched, he was able to limit the damage, with a 3.24 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.