The Houston Astros have climbed to the top of the American League after sweeping Arizona, and they’re sitting pretty with a six-game cushion in the AL West. With the trade deadline just a week out, they’re definitely buying.
The shopping list is clear: pitching and a left-handed bat. GM Dana Brown has been vocal about needing that lefty presence in the lineup, and it’s not hard to see why when you look at their recent outfield arrangements.
They’ve been running Jose Altuve out in left field lately, alongside Cooper Hummel and Taylor Trammell. That’s… not ideal, especially when you’re trying to separate yourself from the pack in the AL.
O’Hearn Makes Sense
David Schoenfield from ESPN thinks Houston’s answer might be Baltimore’s Ryan O’Hearn. It’s a move that checks a lot of boxes.
“The Astros still hold a six-game lead in the AL West, continuing to play well through a long list of injuries, but general manager Dana Brown has talked about the need to add a left-handed hitter. O’Hearn could play left field for the Astros, who have been using Cooper Hummel, Taylor Trammell and defensive liability Jose Altuve in the outfield lately.”
O’Hearn is having the best year of his career. The first-time All-Star is slashing **.281/.374/.452** with **12 homers**, **37 RBI**, and an **.826 OPS**. More importantly for Houston, he can actually handle left field without making fans nervous every time a ball heads his way.
The Trade Market Reality
Baltimore’s well out of contention and selling, which puts O’Hearn squarely on the market. Even with his career year, he’s still a rental bat, so the Astros shouldn’t have to mortgage the farm.
That’s where Houston’s position gets interesting. They’ve got the prospect capital to make moves without gutting their future, and they’re clearly in win-now mode with this core group.
The next few days should see activity ramp up across the league. Teams are starting to separate into buyers and sellers, and the Astros are positioned to make the kind of additions that could put some real distance between them and the rest of the AL.
It’ll be fascinating to watch how Brown approaches this deadline. A couple smart moves here, and Houston could be looking at more than just an AL West title.
