Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale

By Beau Adams

DENVER, CO - JULY 29: Brent Rooker #25 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after hitting a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 29: Brent Rooker #25 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after hitting a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Jul 8, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Buying the AL West: Houston Astros

The Houston Astros (59-46) find themselves in second place in the AL West, where they need to make some moves to bolster their roster. With the Texas Rangers playing well and the Los Angeles Angels making aggressive acquisitions, the Astros must stay aggressive if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Trade rumors are swirling around the Astros, and while there is plenty of speculation and nonsense on the internet, some legitimate rumors are worth exploring.

The Houston Astros have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring right-handed reliever Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox. This is the second time in three years that Graveman will be donning an Astros uniform, as he was previously acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2021.

The acquisition of Graveman aligns with the Astros’ stated goal of bolstering their pitching staff before the trade deadline. General Manager Dana Brown has made it clear that the team is looking for bullpen help. The Astros also have expressed interest in adding a left-handed hitter to their lineup.

If the Astros pivot and look for rotation help, one name that has emerged as a potential target for the Astros is Jordan Montgomery of the St. Louis Cardinals. Montgomery has been one of the few Cardinals pitchers who has performed well this season, and his pending free agency could make him an affordable option for Houston. While the Dodgers have also shown interest in Montgomery, their recent acquisition of Lance Lynn may take them out of the running. However, other teams will likely enter the fray for Montgomery’s services.

The Mets let Scherzer go to Texas, Justin Verlander should be dealt next, if he will agree to waive his No-trade clause. Returning to Houston has to be his top priority, one more series. It would be fantastic to see a Verlander v Scherzer playoff showdown for the AL West.

Another intriguing option for the Astros is Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger could provide the left-handed bat that the Astros are looking for, but there is some disagreement among sources about whether the Astros are genuinely interested in acquiring him. The recent resurgence of the Chicago Cubs could also impact the trade market, as they may choose not to sell many players at the deadline.

Home/AL West