So much for the Houston Astros (61-47) being in a rebuilding/retooling phase.
After trading star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and losing star third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency this past winter, many thought the Astros were bound to take a step back in the American League. But we should have known better than to count them out.
Houston has had yet another very strong season with a mix of veterans and youth contributing in all phases of the game. With a four-game cushion on the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West, it's widely expected that the Astros will be buyers leading up to Thursday's trade deadline at 6 p.m. ET.
Now that productive third baseman Isaac Paredes is out with a hamstring injury and could require surgery on the ailment, the Astros appear to be ratcheting up their aggressiveness on the trade market.
USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale shared the latest on Houston's search for help at third base, which included several marquee names.
"The Astros, a high-ranking executive told USA TODAY Sports, are exploring the possibility of acquiring Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa or St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, while also remaining engaged with the Arizona Diamondbacks for All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez," Nightengale wrote.
Houston Astros mulling reunion with Carlos Correa; Nolan Arenado, Eugenio Suárez also in mix. https://t.co/vU0UhckalP
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 30, 2025
Quite an interesting trio of options for Houston to look into over the next day.
Shortstop Carlos Correa would, of course, be the most fascinating of them all, having spent the first seven years of his career with the Astros. Correa enjoyed tremendous success in Houston both personally and team-wise, making two All-Star appearances (2017, 2021) and winning a World Series in 2017.
The 30-year-old has still shown plenty of ability to play at a high level, though he has struggled with injuries throughout his four years as a Minnesota Twin. A reunion seems fitting, as he probably wishes he had never left in the first place.
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is another intriguing possibility that Houston has been linked to in the past. Nightengale mentioned that the eight-time All-Star almost became an Astro in the winter but declined to waive his no-trade clause, thinking they wouldn't be competitive. You would presume he's changed his mind on that now.
Then there's Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez, the most highly coveted rental position player available. The 34-year-old has been mashing this season, batting .248 with 36 HRs and 87 RBI through just 105 games thus far. The competition to land Suarez will be much tougher, with almost every playoff contender seemingly interested in acquiring his services.
Fans should certainly keep an eye on Dana Brown and the Astros, as it seems like something big could be on the verge of going down in Houston.
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