The Houston Astros Just Signaled Their Trade Deadline Intentions

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The Houston Astros Just Signaled Their Trade Deadline Intentions

Originally posted on Houston Astros on SI
By Maddy Dickens | Last updated Aug 2, 2026 9:00 AM ET

Friday was a big day for the Houston Astros for a lot of reasons and with their recent success, as well as the dumpster fire the American League has been, this organization is for sure buying. They are getting healthy, and with the best hitter in the game (Yordan Alvarez), the front office is looking to improve the roster.

That being said, the series opener against the Texas Rangers was a dominant victory by Houston, which propelled them to the top of the AL West, and now they are looking for a couple of things- an offensive outfielder and a starting pitcher.

After multiple struggles with the starting rotation, low-lighted by Lance McCullers Jr. and Tatsuya Imai, they need another arm. McCullers Jr. is no longer on the roster, and the organization announced Friday that Imai is moving to the bullpen.

With Imai heading into a reliever role right before the deadline, that leaves a big hole, but he has been unable to get out of the first inning three times already this season, and he cannot be counted on in high-leverage situations when October rolls around.

They need an outfielder still, but it doesn't look like owner Jim Crane was ready to make that deal.

Starting Pitcher on the Market, Keep Pursuing Larnach

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A few arms that have been scratched in the last couple of days, hinting that they are on the trade chopping block, one being Casey Mize, who is having an outstanding year for the Detroit Tigers.

Mize has dealt with a few minor injuries this year, but when he has played, he has been excellent, posting a 2.70 ERA and a sub-1.00 ERA. If the Astros could get him, it would immediately bolster their pitching staff.

Then, there is Larnach, who would be a great get for Houston’s outfield and a player with whom they might still be in talks, but ultimately looking at a different deal. The Twins are after relievers, but Abreu can’t be the one to go.

Larnach is hitting over .280 with nearly 40 runners driven home this year. He would 100% be an upgrade for the middle to end of the Astros' order. Their offense is elite, but there is a weakness at the bottom.

A lot of action is about to happen in the next 48 hours, and as the Astros have battled to the top of the division, they are definitely in the position to make a run when October rolls around if the front office can address the

This article first appeared on Houston Astros on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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