MLB Rumors: Yankees-Juan Soto, Cardinals panic, Astros double down
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Houston Astros need pitching
Astros general manager Dana Brown made it clear that the team’s top trade deadline priority is pitching — namely starting pitching. Houston isn’t hiding from the fact that they need an upgrade in that area, especially with the injuries to Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy. By the end of the month, fans should expect Houston to acquire at least one of the big-name starters on the market.
On his weekly appearance on @SportsTalk790, Astros general manager Dana Brown said his number one priority at the trade deadline is now a starting pitcher.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 12, 2023
Lucas Giolito has emerged as one of the Astros top targets, per Chron.
“Lucas Giolito is the most high-profile name of the bunch—he’s a former All-Star with two top-10 Cy Young finishes on his resume, and he has a 3.45 ERA through 19 starts in 2023,” writes Josh Criswell. “Giolito would undoubtedly help solidify an Astros rotation in need of another high-end arm.”
The White Sox don’t want to trade any player they deem part of their future core, of which Giolito is not. Luis Robert and Dylan Cease are off limits, just as an example. Giolito, despite his impressive numbers on the season, is too close to free agency NOT to trade for assets.