The Houston Astros are desperately scrambling to fill their third base void, and guess who’s suddenly back in the picture? Carlos Correa, that’s who. Yep, the prodigal son who helped deliver a World Series championship before walking away in free agency. What changed his mind, you may ask? Well, the 30-year-old shortstop has reportedly told friends he’d waive his full no-trade clause to return home to Houston, where his family still maintains their offseason residence.
Now, Correa isn’t the only name swirling around Space City’s trade deadline drama. Nolan Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove winner who straight-up rejected Houston last December, is suddenly back on the radar alongside Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. Well, you know what they say about second chances? Astros GM Dana Brown addressed Arenado’s earlier snub head-on: “We tried to convince him that we’re not rebuilding, that the window is always open with our owner. He misunderstood our plan.” With the Cardinals now planning to rebuild and Houston leading the AL West at 62-47, Arenado might finally see the light. Meanwhile, Suárez offers another veteran option as the Astros cast a wide net for third base solutions.
The Houston Astros are confronting a daunting trade deadline scenario with multiple roster holes threatening their championship aspirations. With less than 48 hours remaining, the team desperately seeks both starting pitching and third base help after Isaac Paredes’ significant hamstring injury on July 19. Manager Joe Espada called Paredes’ injury “pretty significant,” with potential surgery sidelining their power-hitting third baseman until spring training. The timing devastates Houston’s plans—they’ve dropped 12 of their last 18 games despite leading their division, with 17 players already on the injured list. Their aging core and shrinking championship window demand immediate action, yet limited prospects and payroll constraints severely restrict their options.
See, a Carlos Correa reunion represents their most intriguing but challenging possibility. The former Astros star could solve their third base crisis, but Joel Sherman reported that “no team is taking all of Correa’s $$,” meaning Minnesota would need to eat significant dollars and potentially absorb contracts like Cristian Javier’s $42 million owed through 2027. Correa’s career-worst performance—hitting .267 with seven homers, 31 RBIs, and a .704 OPS compared to his .837 mark during his Houston tenure—complicates negotiations. The Astros must simultaneously address their rotation needs while navigating complex financial gymnastics. Their front office faces a dual challenge requiring creative maneuvering to acquire impact players without sacrificing future flexibility, making this deadline potentially season-defining for their championship hopes. Plus, Correa differs from many other players in the sense that he has a say in where he will be playing after Thursday’s 5pm deadline. So any way this decision goes, it’ll be an interesting view.
Astros Pursue Cease, Kelly as Deadline Pitching Solutions
The Astros’ deadline shopping list doesn’t stop at third base—their rotation desperately needs reinforcement, too. With injuries piling up across the roster and glaring uncertainty behind Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, Houston’s front office recognizes they’re walking a tightrope. Passan reports that Houston wants to land a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, and frankly, they can’t afford to wait much longer. The championship window demands immediate action, especially with their recent struggles to highlight just how thin their pitching depth has become.
While the Astros might be targeting Dylan Cease at the deadline, his price tag is astronomical, and he might be a tough player to land, especially with the Padres looking for a return at the Major League level. San Diego isn’t interested in prospects—they want proven talent that can help them now. That reality forces Houston to explore alternative options, and several intriguing names are circulating as potential fits for their rotation needs.
Image: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks starters Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen have emerged as potential fits, with Kelly being the more realistic target of the two. The veteran right-hander brings playoff experience and durability that Houston desperately craves. Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara represents another pitcher who’d generate significant interest, though his price tag is expected to be extremely high given his Cy Young pedigree and team control.
But, he’s another starter the Astros could consider pairing with Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown. With the Astros’ injuries and the uncertainty behind Brown and Valdez, the Houston front office recognizes they need multiple reinforcements to maintain their championship aspirations.
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