The Houston Astros reportedly are interested in adding an ace-level starting pitcher to their rotation before the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline.
To the surprise of no one, the Houston Astros are in the thick of the MLB playoff race with just a couple of months left on the schedule. However, unlike years past, a spot in the postseason is far from guaranteed. The team is over three games out in the American League West and in a serious fight for the final Wild Card spot.
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It is a surprising position to be in despite being 10 games over .500 but that is just how good the American League is in 2023. While the ‘Stros have struggled more than usual offensively and could certainly use an impact bat to bolster the lineup for the stretch run, they are well aware of how influential a strong pitching staff can be for a playoff contender.
Houston Astros have Marcus Stroman at the top of trade deadline wish list
That is likely why despite the needs on offense Houston is reportedly eyeing one of the best pitchers on the market ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. This week, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that “The Houston Astros have checked in with the Chicago Cubs about starter Marcus Stroman.”
Despite being in his tenth season in MLB, the Blue Jays and Mets veteran is having a career year for the Cubs. Over the first few months of the season, the two-time All-Star has posted his best ERA and WHIP and has tallied 101 strikeouts to 42 walks in 118.2 innings this season.
Stroman has an opt-out clause in his contract and is expected to exercise it this winter so he can cash in on the best season of the 32-year-old’s career.
- Marcus Stroman stats (2023): 10-6, 2.88 ERA, 1.087 WHIP, 101 SO, 42 BB, 118.2 IP
While the Astros’ pitching staff has been rock-solid in 2023, Stroman would give them the ace pitcher they could use and would slot in to form a strong one-two punch with Framber Valdez at the top of the rotation for the stretch run.