Astros Planning Another Big Move After Ramon Urias Trade

Astros Planning Another Big Move After Ramon Urias Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Houston Astros reportedly got some big infield help when they landed Ramon Urias from the Baltimore Orioles, and now could be turning their attention to the starting rotation.

MLB.com reported that the Astros landed Urias in a deal that will send Single-A right-hander Twine Palmer to Baltimore. The 31-year-old utility infielder is coming off a two-homer game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday and has a slash line of .248/.300/.388 in 77 games this season.

After adding the infield and hitting help they needed, the Astros are aiming to land an even bigger name before the trade deadline on Thursday. MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand noted that the Astros are after one of the top pitchers on the trade block.

"The Astros are making a big push for Dylan Cease, with one source saying the starter is Houston’s 'main target,' " Feinsand shared in a post on X.

While the Padres are in the thick of playoff contention in the National League, MLB.com's AJ Cassavell noted that they could trade Cease in a strategic move to help build for the future.

"Cease has proven that he has ace-caliber stuff," Cassavell wrote. "He’s making nearly $14 million this year. Theoretically, the Padres could trade Cease for cheaper, longer-term pieces, while freeing up financial flexibility to make moves elsewhere."

Cassavell added that there would be downsides for the Padres, including the impact of taking the most steady and reliable pitcher out of the rotation.

Related: Padres Receive Big News Amid Dylan Cease Trade Rumors

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.