Houston Astros could be interested in trading for Rays pitcher

Ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline, the Houston Astros are trending as buyers. After struggling early in the season, the team has started to figure things out lately.

The Astros currently hold a 46-44 record and are just two games behind the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West.

Houston has managed to find success despite missing a few notable players. Justin Verlander and Kyle Tucker, in particular, have been out for some time.

Given their recent success, the Astros could look to add talent at the deadline to fill their needs. One potential avenue they should take is to acquire more players to improve their rotation.

CBS Sports suggested that Houston might be interested in trading for an interesting starting pitcher. That reliever is none other than Tampa Bay Rays veteran Zach Eflin.

“Eflin is a logical candidate because of his contract: He’s owed $18 million next season, a modest sum for his performance but plenty for the cost-conscious Rays. Plus, Tampa Bay’s underlying metrics are worse than its win-loss record indicates, suggesting this Rays team may lack The Juice for a serious run. Trading Eflin for a cost-controlled talent who can help now and later — even if it causes some local trouble — seems like the kind of thing the Rays would do.”

Besides the Astros, two other teams have been cited as logical targets for Eflin. The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been mentioned.

Eflin has had a decent 2024 season so far. He has started 16 games, going 5-5 with a 4.19 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 9.0 K/BB ratio in 92.1 innings.

While he’s not a superstar who would single-handedly change the trajectory of Houston’s season, he is a quality player who could improve the team as a whole.

He also wouldn’t be the kind of trade target that would cost the Astros a lot of money.

Add to that the fact that Eflin still has one season left after 2024 and he becomes an even more interesting target for Houston. The Astros are reportedly looking for players who still have control over their future contracts.

Expect to hear plenty of rumors and many different names floating around as possible targets for Houston over the next couple of weeks. Eflin could be a legitimate target if the Astros decide to be buyers.