With the trade deadline just days away, it is clear the Astros will look to make some kind of move to improve the team. While they have reinforcements on the way (Jeremy Peña, Spencer Arrighetti, etc.) they still have some areas they can add to help the team now. As most expect, the Astros are probably targeting lower cost rentals in the trade market. Here are a few options.
Castro, 28, is a versatile utility player enjoying a solid season with the Twins. Over 83 games, he’s posted a .765 OPS and a 110 OPS+, showcasing consistent offensive production. Remarkably, he’s played every position except first base and catcher (yes, he even logged an inning on the mound). As a switch-hitter, Castro fills a key need for the Astros, and his defensive flexibility allows the team to move him around the field as injuries or matchups dictate.
Mullins has long been viewed as a potential trade target for the Astros, with his name surfacing in rumors over multiple seasons. While he’s had a solid career overall, he’s currently enduring the toughest stretch of his career, batting just .217 with a 97 OPS+. A left-handed hitter who plays center field, Mullins could serve as a capable fill-in for the injured Meyers. The hope is that a change of scenery might help him rediscover his form at the plate.
O’Hearn is likely the best bat among the names on this list. The big left-handed slugger is putting together a strong season for the Orioles, hitting .282 with a career-best 134 OPS+. He’s seen time at first base, left field, and right field, and would give the Astros another powerful left-handed presence in the lineup. Of all the hitters mentioned, O’Hearn is expected to command the highest trade price.
Tauchman is a bit of a late-career surprise, putting up the best offensive numbers of his career at age 34. He’s currently hitting .286 with a career-high 135 OPS+. While he’s limited defensively, primarily playing right field, his left-handed bat could still bring value to the Astros as a corner outfielder or designated hitter.
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