The Houston Astros were always expected to be buyers at the 2023 MLB trade deadline. However, general manager Dana Brown has now revealed his third different approach to the team’s specific needs and what positions it will be targeting.
During an appearance in June with Robert Ford on Houston’s Sports Talk 790 AM, Brown revealed that the Astros would ideally want to add a “left-handed bat” at the trade deadline. Ideally, in the minds of Houston’s front office, a left-handed bat with positional versatility would be the deal target.
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Things seemed to change in July. In light of season-ending injuries to Lance McCullers Jr and Luis Garcia, along with Jose Urquidy’s shoulder issue, Houston turned its focus to starting pitching. Brown told reporters on July 15 that adding a starting pitcher was one of the club’s biggest wishes at the trade deadline.
In July, per FanGraphs, Astros’ starters ranked 18th in ERA (4.68) with a 7-7 record, 8.93 K/9, a 1.36 WHIP (23rd in MLB) and a .257 batting average allowed to opponents. Despite starting pitching being Houston’s biggest weakness, addressing it no longer appears to be the top priority.
Brown told Jim Bowden of The Athletic that the Astros are no longer in the market for a starting pitcher. Instead, Brown and club officials are zeroing in on adding support for the back of the bullpen and there’s an increased focus on adding a left-handed bat.
Houston already acquired Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox, trading catching prospect Korey Lee to acquire him. On the season, the Astros’ bullpen ranks 12th in ERA (3.85) but it has the 10th-worst ERA in July (4.74).
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Other factors likely play a role in the Astros’ approach. Houston wanted Lucas Giolito, but he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. While Justin Verlander is available and he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause, it’s viewed as unlikely that Astros’ officials sign off on adding his salary.
While adding a playoff-caliber starting pitcher would go a long way toward helping the Astros in October, it appears Houston will focus on building a better bullpen and a deeper lineup.
