3 early-season trades Astros must make

This move would require two things. One, the Astros get themselves back into the playoff picture and two, the Blue Jays fall out of it completely. But since neither is unrealistic, it’s worth daydreaming about a scenario where the Astros obtain the veteran bat of their dreams, righting what has long been wrong since Houston signed former White Sox star José Abreu.

Justin Turner has been the consummate professional at the plate for a long time now, but it’s been especially validating to see him do it in different uniforms at his advanced age. He’s 39 now and put up an .800 OPS in 2023 with the Boston Red Sox, which would have been much higher if he didn’t tail off while playing through a foot injury. He has a .787 OPS with Toronto, even more impressive given how much offense is down across the entire league.

If Houston is going to make one more run at it with the current core, it will be crucial to add one more bat. In addition to Abreu’s brutal struggles, they’ve gotten minimal production from the outfield, catching and third base positions. Bringing in Turner would lengthen the lineup and provide an extra hitting coach all in one, something that could only benefit the other scuffling hitters up and down the Astros’ lineup.

Trade SP Justin Verlander

On the other hand completely, if the Astros do become sellers, they have a boatload of assets at their disposal to unload in exchange for prospects. And in a way, it would be poetic for the Astros to acquire prospects for Justin Verlander, because they sent two of their top young guns to the New York Mets last season in order to bring him back to Houston.

Let’s say it’s July and the Astros are still 10+ games under .500. In this competitive AL playoff race, all five East teams plus three or four of the Central teams might be in play. The Astros could realistically say to themselves, “We have no shot,” turn around and pick from a bigger number of buyers than there were in years past before expanded playoffs.

Verlander has one of the most expensive contracts in baseball, but it’s also already taken care of in large part by the Mets. If he doesn’t pitch the requisite 140 innings for his conditional player option to vest, he also becomes a free agent after this season. So for a team looking for veteran experience, he’s likely the perfect rental. It’s easy to see him in a Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves or even New York Yankees uniform and the Astros would likely benefit from a heated bidding war.

Trade RP Ryan Pressly

In a scenario where the Astros don’t want to give up on contention altogether, but still want to unload some 2024 salary in exchange for prospects, trading Ryan Pressly is their best bet. He doesn’t have the day-to-day impact of a Verlander or an Alex Bregman, but he’s still a valuable piece for a team looking to shore up their bullpen.

Pressly is making $14 million this season to pitch the eighth inning, with a mutual option for the same price tag in 2025. He’s one of many relievers underperforming for Houston this season, but he has a long track record of success in the biggest moments of the season and plenty of teams would give deference to that track record over this brief rough patch after he undeservedly lost the closer role.

What playoff teams are seeking bullpen help? Oh, only all of them. The Orioles would again be a top suitor, given the struggles of Craig Kimbrel, but he could fit in well with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals or a half-dozen others. Pressly is the best option to trade if Brown and the Astros can’t fully commit themselves to waving the white flag, but know they also can’t afford to sit on their hands and do nothing.