The Houston Astros are linked to several players who could still be traded

The Houston Astros have fought hard to come back from a dismal start to the season and be in position at the trade deadline to make roster improvements that will help them chase another World Series title.

That didn’t seem to be the case for a while this season, but they now find themselves in a familiar situation where they have to scour the market for players who can help them win now.

While others have already started to act, the Astros have remained inactive.

They are expected to be aggressive as they have been in the past, but circumstances may prevent them from trying to bring in multiple players as before.

General manager Dana Brown said they will look to add starting pitchers, but unlike in previous years, they don’t necessarily need to bring in one of the biggest names on the market since they will get Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia back from the injured list at some point before the playoffs.

They also exceeded the luxury tax for just the second time under Jim Crane, so the extra amount of money he’s willing to spend could impact what management does.

Knowing that, Houston may not be looking for a starting pitcher and an upgrade at first base.

It’s certain they’ll add at least one player before the July 30 deadline. It’s anyone’s guess who that will be, but when MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand compiled his list of “Most Likely Trade Candidates,” the Astros were linked to several players.

On the starting pitcher side, he considers Erick Fedde, Yusei Kikuchi, Jameson Taillon, Cal Quantrill and Blake Snell as potential candidates.

There were reports that they were aggressively pursuing Fedde at one point, and they had already targeted Kikuchi, so those names aren’t necessarily a surprise. Quantrill is a newcomer and likely wouldn’t cost much. Taillon could ask for the most prospects they’d have to give up based on his past pedigree and the many seasons of club control they have left.

Snell would be a blockbuster trade and make them the favorites in the American League.

While Verlander is expected to hit the open market after the year, they could opt to bring in someone at the deadline they would have in 2025. Besides Kikuchi and Snell, the other three names on this list fit that criteria.

As for position players, Feinsand sees two Tampa Bay Rays players as potential candidates. After being sold at a discount, Yandy Diaz and Isaac Paredes could be next in line.

Both would offer upgrades at first base, with Diaz being the more plug-and-play option given that’s the position he plays, but Paredes has experience at first base, albeit in a limited capacity.

It remains to be seen who Houston ultimately brings in, but there are still plenty of options available that could provide a boost to their roster.