The next few weeks could make a tremendous difference for the Houston Astros.
The Astros appeared as though they would be sellers ahead of the August 3 trade deadline after the first few weeks of the season. Injuries had decimated the roster, with the pitching staff being hit particularly hard. The Astros had a 12-20 record entering May and were in danger of falling out of contention early.
To the Astros credit, they have managed to remain in the periphery of the playoff hunt. Pieces are starting to return, and while their 35-41 record is not great, the Astros are in striking distance of a postseason berth. However, a rough patch could be the death knell to their season, leading to a sell off at the deadline. Let’s look at three players the Astros could trade if they fall off the pace.
Three potential trade pieces for the Houston Astros
1. Infielder Isaac Paredes
Paredes had been a frequent subject of the rumor mill during the 2025-26 offseason. The Astros reacquisition of infielder Carlos Correa left Paredes without a clear path to a starting role, leaving him as a super utility option. However, a torn tendon in Correa’s left ankle opened up a spot for Paredes in the lineup.
A solid power hitter, Paredes has hit at least 20 homers in three of his first four full seasons in the majors. He has posted a respectable .234/.341/.414 batting line in his 287 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 14 doubles. His solid offense, ability to play first, second and third and additional year of team control could make Paredes a hot commodity.
2. Relief pitcher Bryan Abreu
Abreu’s overall numbers would seemingly preclude his inclusion on this list. He has posted a 6.66 ERA and a 1.890 WHiP over his 24.1 innings, striking out 33 batters with 24 walks. Most of that damage occurred during the first few weeks of the season as Abreu has allowed six runs, five earned, on 11 hits and nine walks over his 15 innings since the end of April, striking out 17 batters.
That solid run should assuage any concerns regarding Abreu’s effectiveness. He had been one of the better setup men in the majors over the previous four seasons and has an impressive track record in the postseason. Although his impending free agency may limit what the Astros receive, Abreu could bring back a better return than his overall numbers would have indicated.
3. Relief pitcher Steven Okert
Another impending free agent, the left-handed Okert is not the type of fireballing reliever who generates impressive readings on the radar gun. Instead, he relies on weak contact to be effective. That has been the case again this season as Okert has posted a 2.70 ERA and a 0.930 WHiP over his 33.1 innings, striking out 18 batters with 10 walks.
Left-handed relievers are always in high demand at the trade deadline and Okert may not be an exception. While his extreme fly ball tendencies (32.0% over his career-league average is 24.7%) may not play well in every ballpark, he is the type of player who could bring back a surprisingly strong return.