Astros reportedly taking somewhat surprising approach to trade deadline

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Astros reportedly taking somewhat surprising approach to trade deadline

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 21, 2026 11:32 AM ET

It sounds like the Houston Astros aren't planning to punt on the 2026 season despite a disappointing 36-42 record.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Astros plan to be buyers at the deadline, focusing on a left-handed power bat and bullpen help.

Aside from dominant closer Josh Hader and setup man Bryan King, the Astros are in dire need of elite arms to help stabilize the bullpen. Astros manager Joe Espada has had to lean on heavier workloads in the starting rotation and also move Mike Burrows to the pen.

In addition, they are also targeting a left-handed outfielder to stabilize a lineup that consists of several right-handed bats.

Yordan Alvarez is the only elite left-hander, which has left the Astros in a tough squeeze when faced with right-handed pitching. Overall, they need depth in the outfield so that Alvarez can remain in the designated hitting role.

The Houston Astros plan on being buyers at the deadline and will be searching for a left-handed hitting OF and bullpen help, per @BNightengale

Houston has told teams they are “wasting their time” asking about Jeremy Peña and Christian Walker. pic.twitter.com/Qw7F7ylXnY
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 21, 2026

Who the Houston Astros should target ahead of the deadline

The Astros have made it very clear that they aren't planning to trade Jeremy Pena and Christian Walker. With their focus on buying at the deadline, this is unfortunate news for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves, who were both interested in Pena.

The Astros should be exploring high-leverage arms that will help to solidify the pen and provide swing-and-miss dominance.

Athletics reliever Justin Sterner would provide the Astros with a reliever who boasts a 36.2% chase rate that sits in the 93rd percentile. He also owns a 30.2 % whiff rate that ranks in the 85th percentile. He would help limit hard-contact while solidifying the Astros bullpen that ranks 23rd in the league with a 4.68 ERA.

A potential outfielder the Astros could pursue is Jarren Duran. With the Boston Red Sox looking to be sellers, Duran would be a great fit as he possesses solid left-handed power (75.4% bat speed) and speed (29.1 feet per seconds).

Time will tell if the Astros can get any season-altering deals done, but it certainly appears they are intent on making a run at the postseason.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: