Houston Astros trade target ‘Dream’ receives important deadline update

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Houston Astros are becoming a key team to watch. Earlier in the year, they tended to be sellers, but that has changed.

The Astros now seem like an obvious buyer. They have managed to get back into the playoff race and currently have a 48-44 record. With that record, they are just two games behind the Seattle Mariners in the race for the American League West division.

With that in mind, Houston could look to buy big in order to get closer to the division and a playoff spot. If they decide to buy, there are two different positions they should focus on first.

One is to add another good arm to the starting rotation. The other is to add an upgrade at first base.

The Astros’ top trade target is rumored to be Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker. He’s had a good season so far, but it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be available.

On Wednesday, during a live video broadcast on Launderer’s ReportMLB insider Jon Heyman said the Diamondbacks are unlikely to trade Walker. He appears headed for a late-season stint in Arizona.

During the 2024 MLB season, Walker played in 93 games for the Diamondbacks, batting .263/.337/.503 to go along with 22 home runs and 66 RBIs.

These numbers show why Houston is so interested in him.

Walker could be available next offseason if the Astros want to sign him that way. His contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.

In addition to Walker, Houston could also consider other first base options, including Cody Bellinger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Unfortunately, there are doubts as to whether either player will be available at the trade deadline.

It might be difficult to add a player who is good enough at first base to make the trade worthwhile. Instead, the Astros could focus on the upcoming MLB offseason with a few high-quality free agents available at the position.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors flying around Houston in the coming weeks. Dana Brown would like to make some moves, but it takes two to tango in the trade market.