HOUSTON, TX – July 24, 2025 – With the MLB trade deadline just one week away, set for July 31st at 5 p.m. CDT, the Houston Astros find themselves in a familiar position: firmly established as buyers. Sitting atop the American League, the focus for General Manager Dana Brown and the front office is unequivocally on acquiring talent to bolster the roster for a deep postseason run.
This means that, unlike rebuilding teams, the Astros’ established core players are largely safe. Fans won’t see All-Stars like Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, or Framber Valdez on the trading block. The pursuit is for upgrades, not a fire sale. However, even as buyers, some players could still find their names in trade discussions.
The Primary Trade Chips: Prospects
The most likely candidates to be moved are players currently toiling in the minor leagues. While the Astros’ farm system isn’t as robust as it once was, it still holds intriguing pieces that could appeal to selling teams looking to restock.
Names like right-handed pitcher Miguel Ullola, who has soared through the system this year, outfielders Zach Cole and Jacob Melton, and pitchers Michael Knorr and Will Bush are frequently mentioned as potential trade currency. These are the assets the Astros can package to entice sellers, especially as they target needs like a left-handed bat or additional pitching depth. The emergence of Brice Matthews in the big leagues also means that a prospect at a similar position might be slightly more expendable.
Major League Players: Only for the Right Fit
While core players are off-limits, a few Major Leaguers could theoretically be moved if the right deal comes along, or if their roles become redundant with new acquisitions or returning injured players.
One player whose name has surfaced in recent rumors is outfielder Chas McCormick. While McCormick was just activated from the Injured List, his offensive performance has been inconsistent this season (.246/.317/.281 slash line in 40 games), and with a strong outfield now featuring Kyle Tucker, Mauricio Dubón, and the impending return of Yordan Alvarez, a team with a weaker outfield looking for a versatile veteran could show interest. Trading McCormick could help Houston recoup a prospect or free up salary space, especially as he has one year of arbitration remaining before hitting free agency in 2027.
Other potential, though less likely, candidates on expiring contracts like backup catcher Victor Caratini or reliever Rafael Montero could also be involved, but only if the Astros acquire direct upgrades at their positions. Given the recent injury to Isaac Paredes at third base, the team is now more desperate for an offensive infielder, making it more likely they’d acquire rather than offload.
What the Astros are Buying:
The Astros’ priority list at the deadline remains clear:
Left-Handed Bat: This is the loudest need. With Yordan Alvarez battling injury and the lineup leaning heavily right-handed, a consistent left-handed presence, especially an infielder after the Paredes injury, is crucial. Names like Brandon Lowe (Rays) or Ryan McMahon (Rockies) have been linked to Houston in rumors.
Starting Pitching Depth: While Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have solidified their spots, and key injured starters like Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, and J.P. France are progressing in rehab, adding another reliable arm for the stretch run and potential postseason rotation insurance is always on the wishlist.
Bullpen Help: Despite Josh Hader anchoring the closer role, adding another high-leverage arm, particularly a right-hander, could make the bullpen even more formidable.
As the clock ticks down to July 31st, the Astros’ front office will be working tirelessly. While no one on the current big-league roster is truly “in danger” of being traded unless it’s for a significant upgrade, the team’s promising prospects will certainly be valuable chips in their quest for another World Series title.