"The Astros are losing Framber Valdez to free agency, leaving them in need of multiple starting pitchers behind ace Hunter Brown. Houston has taken cheap one-year fliers on former top prospect Nate Pearson and KBO returnee to compete for spots at the back of the staff. Those are fine dice rolls, but they'll need to acquire someone whom they can comfortably slot alongside Cristian Javier in the middle of the rotation."
"If owner Jim Crane remains loathe to cross the luxury tax line, the front office won't have much flexibility to add free agent starting pitching. Chandler Rome of The Athletic writes that the club is indeed more likely to address the rotation via trade. One of the league's weakest farm systems won't do them any favors, so they might be looking at dealing from the MLB roster to accomplish that."
"Houston is reportedly open to dealing standout defensive center fielder Jake Meyers for pitching. Meyers is coming off a career-best season at the plate and is controllable via arbitration for two seasons. He's the best trade chip in the Houston outfield, but he's not the only candidate to move this offseason. Rome reports that the Astros have gotten interest from other clubs in right fielder Jesús Sánchez as well."
Framber Valdez will depart via free agency, leaving the Astros needing multiple starting pitchers behind ace Hunter Brown. Houston signed inexpensive one-year prospects such as Nate Pearson and a KBO returnee to compete for depth roles. Those short-term moves are unlikely to replace a reliable mid-rotation starter alongside Cristian Javier. Owner Jim Crane's reluctance to cross the luxury tax constrains free-agent flexibility, making trade acquisition the more feasible route. A weak farm system limits internal trade currency, so the club may trade MLB roster pieces. Standout center fielder Jake Meyers and outfielder Jesús Sánchez have drawn external interest and could be candidates.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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