Astros reportedly targeting pair of aces on trading block with deadline close
However, they likely are not done just yet. They are going to need some help on the pitching side.
Their starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries this season. There are fortunately a few starters available with the clock ticking before the trade deadline.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Astros are showing interest in both Sandy Alcantara and Dylan Cease.
"Cease is definitely up there. Sandy Alcantara is certainly up there. The Astros are in on both." Feinsand said on MLB Network. "I was told yesterday that Cease was the Astros main target.
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Feinsand notes that the issue with Cease being Houston's top target is that San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller is fielding a lot of calls for the right-hander.
Still, adding one of the two starters listed could pay huge dividends for the Astros. Houston is 62-47 and holds a five-game lead in the American League West over the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners.
The Astros also have the third-best record in the Junior Circuit, and they seem to be pointed towards the postseason. Alcantara would make sense as a pitcher with a few years of control.
Framber Valdez is a free agent at season's end and likely will not be back in 2026. But either way, Houston needs a rotation arm or two.
We'll see what the Astros are able to do with the deadline looming.
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