After Tuesday night, the Houston Astros might have to rework their deadline strategy. Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. became the 17th player on the roster to make his way onto the Astros’ ever-growing injured list. On the same day, manager Joe Espada updated that third baseman Issac Paredes’ strain is turning out to be “a pretty significant injury.” These unfortunate developments hinted that the Astros will have a new approach at this deadline.
Even before these injuries, the Astros were already looking to acquire a top starting pitcher, someone who could carry their rotation. So, even though Spencer Arrighetti and Cristian Javier would return sometime in August, the team is still expected to acquire a starter at this deadline.
However, there’s a glaring issue that not just the Astros but all the other clubs will face. There’s a league-wide demand for starters, but not that many are available for grabs.
Apr 20, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Houston Astros second base Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) after scoring a run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
With the deadline just one week away, it’s uncertain whether the Astros will get their right fit. Especially because they’d prefer the one who has a larger contract. After all, Framber Valdez might become a free agent soon. The Astros will probably target a relief pitcher if they can’t land on a starting pitcher.
Apart from the starter, they have also been eyeing a lefty second baseman. And now that they’ve lost Paredes to an injury blow, the Astros might as well look for a third baseman. Until then, Mauricio Dubón will take over. On the other hand, Astros owner Jim Crane has never hesitated when it comes to acquiring at the deadline, even if it requires an exchange for their younger prospects. Plus, Crane’s minor league system is just enough to pull off at least some trades on July 31.
The Astros are eyeing these options at this deadline.
Isaac Paredes landed in Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade during the last off-season. Since then, he has been a crucial part of the team’s offense. However, he will now be missing a significant time with what manager Espada described as a pretty significant hamstring injury. That will bring a massive gap in the roster, given how the team is already thin at second base. They are currently turning to the utility pieces to fill the void.
The Astros have also been linked to the same name that all the clubs have been linked to—Eugenio Suarez. The veteran phenom is currently hitting .257 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs over 99 games. If not Suarez, then it’s Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins. He’s recorded solid numbers throughout this season—a .258 batting average, 10 home runs, and 27 RBIs across 78 games. It’s his flexibility and bat that have drawn the Astros’ attention.
Next up, it’s Baltimore Orioles’ Ramon Urías. He’s known for his command at third base. He has held a slash line of .244/.294/.368 with 6 home runs and 29 RBIs across 70 games.
Then, the Astros are also considering Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals. Across the league, he has established himself as one of the finest defensive third basemen.
The Astros are in dire need of filling the gaps, and now we’ll know more as we inch closer to July 31.
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