Astros Rumors: 3 last-minute trades Houston needs to make to win World Series

With the clock ticking on the Aug. 1 MLB Trade Deadline, the Houston Astros should be in the market for aggressive win-now additions. 

The Houston Astros have survived a barrage of injuries to remain hot in pursuit of first place in the AL West. The Texas Rangers hold a slim one-game lead over the ‘Stros with one day left until the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Houston has no shortage of talent on the roster, but Dana Brown and the front office are expected to hammer the phone lines in the waning hours of the MLB trade season. The reigning champs are potentially one or two moves away from another World Series run. Expect the Astros to be aggressive if the right opportunity presents itself.

The Astros traded for RHP Kendall Graveman to address concerns in the bullpen, but Houston is expected to pursue a left-handed bat and a starting pitcher — or any talent the front office deems significant enough to sway the season’s outcome in a positive direction.

Here are three names to watch.

3. Astros strike up deal with Tigers for LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers are definitely — not maybe, not probably, but definitely — trading LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, a staple of the team’s starting rotation. Rodriguez would immediately take second billing on the Astros’ staff behind All-Star Framber Valdez.

The Tigers’ asking price is reportedly high, which is why Rodriguez hasn’t been dealt yet. Detroit is 12 games below .500 and desperate to hit the reset button with a new slate of prospects. The Astros, meanwhile, may have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to come up with the necessary trade assets. Houston’s farm system ranks near the bottom of the MLB.

If the Astros can put together a deal, however, Rodriguez would immediately bolster a pitching staff in need of more top-end talent. The Astros currently have one starter with a sub-3.00 ERA in J.P. France (2.87). Rodriguez (2.95) would become the second, with an impressive 1.030 WHIP and 9.3 K’s per nine innings.

The Astros lost potency on the mound when Justin Verlander left in the offseason. Rodriguez may not reach the same heights as Verlander did last season, but he’s a proper ace who can pitch high-leverage games in the playoffs.