The Houston Astros surprisingly named the landing spot for their right-handed ace

While Dana Brown made it clear that the Houston Astros had no intention of selling at the trade deadline in early June, the way the team has played since then confirms that they will be buyers.

The Astros are now just 2.0 games behind in the American League West and look like a serious threat to win the division after starting the season in a way no one expected.

Houston’s struggles have largely been due to injuries, particularly on the mound. While it’s understandable that players have struggled, it’s also given management a clear idea of ​​what they’ll need at the trade deadline.

The Astros simply can’t deal with what they’ve dealt with in the first few months with injuries, so expect them to be aggressive in the starting pitching market.

There will be plenty of options, which should benefit them, but it’s important to note that Houston doesn’t have a great farm system, which poses challenges as teams will be looking to make gains in some of these trades.

This does not mean that they will not reach an agreement, but it makes the task much more difficult.

John Buhler of FanSided proposed a trade that could make sense for them, as it likely wouldn’t cost them more than they can afford. Buhler listed the trade destinations for Max Scherzer, citing the Astros as one of the contenders for the future Hall of Fame pitcher.

“That would be something, wouldn’t it? The Houston Astros don’t play terrible baseball anymore. I know, I know, I know. They play with the same mindset as the Rangers, but they’re desperate and the Seattle Mariners can get screwed in the division.”

“Houston would obviously have to pay more for Scherzer because of the AL West. However, the Astros always end up playing in the ALCS… It’s a shot in the dark, but as long as the Astros aren’t eliminated from the playoffs, they’re still a threat.”

Scherzer’s arrival would certainly be a good move after the Texas Rangers eliminated them from the playoffs in 2023. The Rangers are also just 5.5 games out of the American League West, so there’s a chance they don’t want to sell. Selling to Houston, of all teams, would also be interesting.

If he were to be traded to the Astros, he would be a great fit. Despite the injuries he’s suffered this year and his age (39), he’s still managed to post a 3.09 ERA in 23 1/3 innings pitched.

There is, however, a risk of injury that could distract management.