Houston Astros reportedly targeting 2 starting pitchers ahead of MLB trade deadline

The arrival of the MLB trade deadline has brought an influx of rumors about the Houston Astros linking them to some of the top MLB trade candidates across the league. While there are dozens of players available, Houston appears to have its eyes set on a specific pair of players right now.

Just a few months ago, Houston seemed unlikely to buy at the trade deadline. The club entered June nearly 10 games below the .500 line, with a 25-33 record. With injuries galore, a turnaround in just two months seemed unlikely. However, the Astros did just that.

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Heading into today’s MLB games, the Astros are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second-most wins (29) in baseball since June 1. Of the three clubs to win 29-plus games in the past two months, Houston has played the fewest total games (45) in that span.

• Houston Astros Pitching Statistics (FanGraphs): 3.50 ERA (3rd in MLB), 8.66 K/9, 1.22 WHIP (7th in MLB), .229 batting average allowed (2nd in MLB) since June 1

Houston’s starting rotation has been a big reason for its recent success. Command issues plagued the Astros’ starters for the first half of the season, but the club has made progress. However, while it’s an area where improvements have been made, Houston has the fifth-highest walk rate (8.6%) since June 1.

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According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Astros have their eyes on Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde and Detroit Tigers ace Jack Flaherty ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

• Jack Flaherty Statistics (FanGraphs): 2.95 ERA, 11.22 K.9 1.60 BB/9, .211 batting average allowed, 0.96 WHIP, 32% strikeout rate, 4.6% walk rate

Flaherty is a superior starting pitcher and acquiring him would provide the Astros’ rotation with a front-line player who could help lead this team to the playoffs. However, he is also on a half-season lease and Houston would be at great risk of losing him in MLB free agency this summer.

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• Erick Fedde Statistics (FanGraphs):2.98 ERA, 7.95 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, 1.11 WHIP, .221 batting average allowed, 21.6% strikeout rate, 6.6% walk rate

That’s what could make Fedde just as appealing to the Astros. Despite playing for the worst team in MLB in 2024, Fedde has compiled one of the lowest ERAs in the American League. Just as importantly for Houston, he’s under team control next season at a salary of just $7.5 million.

While All-Star pitchers Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal are also popular names in MLB trade rumors, the Astros’ top prospects don’t come close to the asking price of the White Sox or Detroit Tigers. Because of that, Houston needs to focus on other options before the MLB trade deadline.