Astros: 1 trade to make and 1 prospect to promote to boost playoff odds

Featuring MLB’s best offense and a consistent starting rotation, the Astros will need to trade for bullpen help at the deadline.

Despite losing their best offensive player in the past offseason, numerous injuries to key players, and the adversity of being perhaps the most hated team in MLB history with every road trip, the Astros remain in the thick of the playoff race.

Houston currently sits 2 1/2 games behind the Athletics for 1st place in the AL West with an overall record of 37-28. Being nine games above .500 is far being the best in the majors, but it’s a great spot for the Astros to be in, especially given their above mentioned circumstances this season.

Offense isn’t an issue for the Astros who have scored the most runs in the majors (358) and have the highest team batting average (.274) and OPS (.789).

Where Houston could really use some help at the trade deadline is for another pitcher, specifically a reliever.

Astros 1 trade to make: LHP Paul Fry

The struggles from the Astros bullpen thus far have held them back from being even better than they have performed thus far. Houston relievers have collectively posted the 12th-highest ERA (4.36) among MLB bullpens and they’ve contributed to fifth-most losses (15) and sixth-most blown saves (12).

Aside from closer Ryan Pressly, the rest of the ‘pen has not been nearly as consistent in their outings. The Astros currently have one left-hander in their active bullpen, Brooks Raley, who has posted a 6.39 ERA and 1.342 WHIP in 25.1 innings this season. That won’t get the job done come playoff time, especially when a lefty-lefty matchup is needed in big moments.

Oriorles reliever Paul Fry will likely be on the market, and he has been among the most effective left handers in the majors this season. The 28-year-old owns a 1.93 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, and 13.1 K/9 across 23.1 innings for the Orioles this season.

Fry will earn $581K this season and will be arbitration eligible through the 2024 season. There’s no doubt contending teams will be making their offers, the Astros need to be one of them.