The Astros need pitching.
The Houston Astros overcame a rocky start to the 2025 season and have since taken control of the American League West. Despite recent struggles, they still lead the division by four games over the Seattle Mariners.
However, their starting rotation has been decimated by injuries. Beyond Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, there are a lot of question marks for Houston.
Pitching is always in high demand at the trade deadline. There will be options available, but the price will be high.
Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN listed Seth Lugo as a top trade candidate and had the Astros as a possible fit.
"Lugo has posted mid-3.00s or lower ERAs for five seasons despite having below-average fastball velocity and good-not-great strikeout rates. His ability to strand runners and limit hard contact comes in part thanks to his nine different pitches."
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Lugo is 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA and 2.9 WAR in 18 starts with the Kansas City Royals this season. He's a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner. He has also pitched 107 innings and struck out 93 batters.
The veteran right-hander has a player option for 2026, but he will likely decline that option and hit the free agent market, making him a rental pitcher.
Still, Houston could benefit from having him in its rotation. Having him join Brown and Valdez would give Houston three legitimate starters for a postseason series and make them a threat to go on a deep October run.
Houston's farm system is depleted, but it might be worth it to let go of some top prospects to land Lugo if he is on their radar. We'll see where they land in their search for pitching.
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Category: Baseball
