Astros on the Fence: What’s next for Houston?

The Houston Astros are no strangers to success. At 36-28, they’re sitting in first place in the American League West, a familiar spot. They’ve won the division seven of the last eight years, including four straight titles, and have made the playoffs in eight straight seasons. With a strong track record and another winning season in progress, most people expect the Astros to be buyers at the trade deadline.

Adding talent seems like the obvious move. It could help them compete with other American League powers like the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. But the Astros’ next step might depend on something out of their control: the health of their star hitter, Yordan Álvarez.

Álvarez’s Health Could Shift Everything

Álvarez has been out since May 2 with what the team first called a muscle strain. However, recent scans showed a minor fracture in his right hand. The new diagnosis is more concerning and could keep him sidelined longer than expected. If Álvarez is going to miss a big chunk of the season, the Astros may need to rethink their plans.

If their top power bat is stuck on the sidelines, Houston might decide not to make any trades at all. They could even start looking ahead to the future and give more playing time to younger players. If things really go south, there’s a chance they could become sellers. That would mean trading away players to help build for future seasons.

Framber Valdez Could Shape the Deadline

One name to watch is Framber Valdez, the team’s ace pitcher. Valdez has been one of the most reliable arms in baseball again this year, with 6 wins, a 3.07 ERA, and 87 strikeouts. He’s 31 years old and set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Right now, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll re-sign with Houston long term.

If the Astros were to fall out of contention, Valdez would instantly become one of the biggest names available on the trade market. He’s considered a top target for pitching-needy teams and could shift the balance of power in the playoff race. Even as a rental player, Valdez would likely bring back a big return, possibly one or two top prospects and a young MLB-ready contributor.

With so many different possibilities, the Astros will be one of the most interesting teams to watch as the July 31 trade deadline gets closer. Whether they buy, sell, or stand still could shape not only their future but the rest of the league’s as well.