HOUSTON, TX – July 11, 2025 – The Houston Astros are not waiting for the July 31st trade deadline to make headlines. With key injuries mounting and a fiercely competitive AL West race underway, the defending division champions are actively shaping their roster both internally and by eyeing external reinforcements. The highly anticipated arrival of top prospect Brice Matthews leads the recent roster shifts, as the front office continues its aggressive pursuit of another World Series title.
Roster Adjustments: Matthews In, Walker Returns
In a series of immediate moves on Thursday, July 10th, the Astros made significant adjustments:
- Brice Matthews Called Up: The Astros confirmed that Brice Matthews, their top prospect and a product of Atascocita High School, will join the team on Friday, July 11th. This highly anticipated promotion was accelerated due to injuries to key infield and outfield personnel, most notably a fractured rib for shortstop Jeremy Peña and calf tightness for outfielder Jake Meyers. Matthews was already set to participate in the MLB All-Star Futures Game, underscoring his readiness.
- Impact: Matthews, who was slashing an impressive .283/.400/.476 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 73 Triple-A games for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, brings immediate athleticism, speed, and a much-needed left-handed presence to the big league club. His versatility at shortstop and second base could allow manager Joe Espada to creatively address defensive gaps, potentially even shifting Jose Altuve to left field to mitigate outfield injury concerns. His call-up means he is no longer a trade chip for the deadline, having graduated to the active MLB roster.
- Christian Walker Reinstated: First baseman Christian Walker has been activated from the paternity list, returning to the club after a brief absence. Walker has been on a tear in July, batting .464 with two homers and eight RBIs in 29 plate appearances, providing crucial power and stability to the lineup.
- Shay Whitcomb Optioned: To make room for Walker, utility infielder Shay Whitcomb has been optioned back to Triple-A Sugar Land. Whitcomb struggled in his limited big-league stints this season, batting just .053 (1-for-19) with one home run. This move allows him to receive consistent at-bats in the minors and remain a depth option.
Core Needs for the Trade Deadline Remain
Despite the internal adjustments, General Manager Dana Brown’s primary objectives for the July 31st trade deadline remain clear:
- Impact Left-Handed Bat: This is the most critical need. With Yordan Alvarez sidelined indefinitely and the lineup heavily leaning on right-handed hitters, the Astros desperately need a consistent, productive left-handed bat. Their 357 at-bats by left-handed hitters are the fewest in MLB this season, highlighting a significant imbalance.
- Starting Pitching Depth: While Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez lead a strong rotation, injuries to key starters like Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia earlier in the season underscore the need for another reliable arm to solidify the postseason rotation.
- Bullpen Reinforcement (Right-Handed): The Astros’ right-handed relief corps has shown vulnerabilities, ranking 22nd in MLB with a 4.25 ERA. The January 2025 trade of closer Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs (a move that saved the Astros $8.5 million in salary after signing Josh Hader) created financial flexibility but also left a void in high-leverage right-handed relief that could be addressed.
Astros Farm System: Trade Chips Beyond Matthews
With Brice Matthews now in the majors, the Astros will look to other promising prospects to facilitate trades for immediate big-league help. While often ranked lower due to graduating talent and previous trades, the Astros’ strong player development continues to produce valuable assets.
- Jacob Melton (OF) – AAA Sugar Land Space Cowboys: Ranked as the Astros’ No. 2 or 3 prospect, Melton is now arguably their most valuable remaining trade chip. An athletic outfielder with a desirable blend of power and speed, he’s currently at Triple-A. He’s frequently cited in discussions about potential trade packages.
- Miguel Ullola (RHP) – AA Corpus Christi Hooks / AAA Sugar Land Space Cowboys: A high-upside pitching prospect with a high-octane fastball and significant strikeout potential. Ullola, a top-tier pitching prospect in the system, represents a key asset for acquiring a major league-ready arm or bat.
- Michael Knorr (RHP) – AA Corpus Christi Hooks / AAA Sugar Land Space Cowboys: Another developing pitching prospect known for his fastball and changeup. Knorr could also be a valuable piece in a larger trade, particularly if the Astros target a controllable veteran.
Note on Draft Picks: It’s crucial to remember that MLB teams cannot trade their standard amateur draft picks. Prospects involved in trades are players already drafted and developed within the minor league system. The upcoming MLB Draft (July 13-14) will be vital for restocking the lower levels of the farm system.
Potential Trade Targets
The Astros are expected to pursue a range of players to address their specific needs:
Left-Handed Bat Targets:
- Ryan O’Hearn (1B/DH, Baltimore Orioles): A strong fit, O’Hearn provides a powerful lefty bat, especially against right-handed pitching (.919 OPS vs. RHP), and is an expiring contract, making him an ideal rental if the Orioles opt to sell.
- Cedric Mullins (OF, Baltimore Orioles): A switch-hitting outfielder who could fill an outfield spot and bring a much-needed left-handed presence, also a free agent after this season.
- Josh Naylor (1B/DH, Cleveland Guardians): A potent left-handed hitter capable of a significant offensive boost.
- Gavin Lux (INF/OF, Cincinnati Reds): A versatile lefty hitter who can play 2B, LF, and DH, with an additional year of arbitration control.
- Jake Fraley (OF, Cincinnati Reds): An above-average defensive outfielder with solid splits against right-handers and limited team control.
Starting Pitching Targets:
- Merrill Kelly (RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks): A durable pitcher with postseason experience (3.55 ERA this season). If Arizona becomes a seller, Kelly would be a prime target as he nears free agency.
- Seth Lugo (RHP, Kansas City Royals): Having a strong season, Lugo could slot in as a reliable mid-rotation arm and has been highlighted by national reporters as a good fit.
- Freddy Peralta (RHP, Milwaukee Brewers): A potentially less costly option than other top-tier starters, Peralta is under contract through next season, though his availability depends on the Brewers’ playoff position.
- Sandy Alcántara (RHP, Miami Marlins): A former Cy Young winner, his inconsistent 2025 performance makes him a high-risk, high-reward target with contractual control through 2026.
Bullpen Targets (Right-Handed Relief):
- Dennis Santana (RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates): With an excellent 1.46 ERA this season, Santana would provide an immediate and significant upgrade to the Astros’ right-handed bullpen.
- David Bednar (RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates): After a shaky start, Bednar has reportedly returned to form and could be a high-leverage option if the Pirates decide to move him.
Fan Engagement: Raising Cane’s Ticket Giveaway
Beyond the on-field action and trade rumors, the Astros are also engaging with their fan base through community initiatives. Raising Cane’s recently teamed up with the Astros for a ticket giveaway, offering free tickets to fans who purchased a “Box Combo” meal at select Houston-area locations on specific dates (July 10, July 18, and August 7). These events also featured appearances by Orbit and the Shooting Stars dance squad, providing fans with unique opportunities to connect with the team.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for the Houston Astros. With strategic roster adjustments already underway and clear targets in mind, the team is positioning itself for a strong finish to the regular season and a formidable presence in the October Classic.