The Astros have a clear need for rotation upgrades, and General Manager Dana Brown, known for his candor, recently expressed his intention to bolster the rotation in the next eight days during an MLB Network Radio appearance on SiriusXM (X link, with audio).
“We’re aiming to go big and see if a deal that suits the organization materializes,” Brown said about adding a starter. “If that doesn’t pan out, we’ll target mid-level options and hope to land something there. It never hurts to ask—sometimes you get what you need. We want to try for the big moves, but if those don’t happen, we’ll settle for mid-level additions to get through this.”
Brown highlighted that with Luis Garcia and Justin Verlander both recovering, a potential acquisition at the deadline would enable the Astros to occasionally use a six-man rotation. With Garcia returning from Tommy John surgery, Verlander having had two IL stints in 2024, and breakout star Ronel Blanco approaching a career-high in innings pitched, targeting a six-man rotation down the stretch makes sense.
This six-man rotation would feature Blanco, Verlander, Garcia, Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, and a potential new addition. Rookie right-handers Spencer Arrighetti and Jake Bloss would likely remain as depth options unless involved in a trade for a more established starter.
The market for top-tier starting pitchers is thin, but White Sox ace Garrett Crochet is a notable possibility. Brown might attempt to acquire Crochet from Chicago or make a bold move for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, though Skubal is unlikely to be traded, and the Astros’ farm system isn’t highly regarded. This is expected for a team that often forfeits draft picks to sign top free agents and consistently finishes near the top of the standings.
However, the Astros do possess some promising young talent that could facilitate a trade for a notable starter. Outfielder Jacob Melton is ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball, and other prospects like Bloss, Arrighetti, and outfielder/first baseman Joey Loperfido could attract interest. Right-hander A.J. Blubaugh has performed well in Triple-A, and prospects such as outfielder Zach Cole and third baseman Zach Dezenzo could be major league-ready next year.
As a high-payroll team, the Astros can absorb guaranteed salary, benefiting potential sellers. They are close to the second tier of luxury tax penalization but would only move from a 20% to a 32% overage tax if they exceed it. Adding another $20 million in luxury obligations would push them near the third tier, but that scenario is currently distant.
It’s not an all-or-nothing pursuit for Crochet or Skubal. Brown mentioned, “If we can get a mid-level guy and get Garcia and Verlander back, that would be huge for this team.”
Astros starters are tied for 16th in the majors with a 4.20 ERA, which includes strong early-season performances from Cristian Javier, who is out for 2024 after Tommy John surgery. Righty Jose Urquidy and J.P. France are also out for the season due to surgeries. Lance McCullers Jr.’s return remains uncertain after a recovery setback from flexor surgery.
Hunter Brown struggled early in the season but has improved significantly since incorporating a sinker into his arsenal (2.55 ERA, 26% strikeout rate, 8.2% walk rate in 81 1/3 innings). Blanco, who threw the season’s first no-hitter on April 1, has been solid with a 2.75 ERA in 114 1/3 innings. Valdez and Verlander have performed well when healthy but have had IL stints this season.
Despite being 10 games out of first place on June 18, the Astros have closed the gap with a 19-7 run in their last 26 games, including taking two out of three from the now-former division-leading Mariners, tying them for the AL West lead.
