Insider trade goals for Houston hint at blockbuster deadline

For the Houston Astros to turn their season around at this point, it will take a lot of things to start moving their way. Getting Kyle Tucker back from his shin injury would be a good start, but the Astros have some underperforming guys who will need to step up, and others also on the shelf who need to be healthy (and soon).

Even if all of that happens, Houston is in the hole they’ve dug for themselves in six games under .500 and nine games in the division. With much of their rotation injured and the release of Jose Abreu, the Astros are going to have to make big moves at the trade deadline to put together a real run.

Fortunately, that’s precisely what many outside observers think, as MLB insider Jim Bowden predicts the Astros will be facing some big names at the deadline.

If Bowden is correct (which is a big “if”), the Astros’ list of potential trade targets is a who’s who of the biggest names on the trade market, including Jesus Luzardo, Garrett Crochet, Tyler Anderson, Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Paul Goldschmidt, among others. There’s no indication that any of these potential deals were more likely than others, beyond the fact that Houston appears to be focused on pitching, but it’s quite a list nonetheless.

Luzardo, Crochet and Anderson all make a lot of sense as trade targets, as they are among the top available starters who would also come with team control beyond 2024. However, Alonso and Goldschmidt feel much more speculative because the Astros have Joey Loperfido. is lurking in the minor leagues, and Dana Brown has already said he’s looking to acquire players who will stick around longer than this season.

The real question is whether the Astros actually have the prospect capital to make these kinds of deals and whether Houston should even bother being a buyer this year.

Brown has remained adamant that he has no plans to sell the Astros at the deadline, but making big deals with the 2024 season looking more and more like a lost cause may not be wise unless the players they get in return can help them in 2025. and beyond too.

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