DAT 7/19: Astros (Brown) @ Mariners (Castillo) - 9:10ct

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Tucker still without a time frame per Dana

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No way we get Kikuchi and Fedde

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Paredes would be expensive but that is such a nice fit. Could play 1B the rest of this year then slide back to 3B next year after Bregman leaves

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The Astros have reached the ALCS in seven straight seasons, but it looked like that streak would end this year, as Houston came out of the gate with a 10-20 record. Since then, though, they’ve won 40 of 66 games and now sit at 50-46. To catch and hold off the Seattle Mariners in the AL West, Houston needs a starting pitcher, bullpen help and another bat — ideally one that can play first base, where the Astros have received the worst production in MLB.

A starting pitcher and bullpen help: Houston has an entire rotation on the injured list in Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy and Luis García. Verlander is expected back in late July, but McCullers had a setback earlier this month, and his return is uncertain. Javier, Urquidy and García all had Tommy John surgery and are out for the year. As with the Yankees, a rental starting pitcher such as Flaherty would make a lot of sense for the Astros. The same goes for bullpen rental arms such as Scott, Estévez, Dylan Floro of the Nationals, Jalen Beeks of the Rockies or Andrew Chafin of the Tigers.

Another bat: Bell is an available rental and a Texas native, and he'll cost more in added salary than prospects. Alternatively, would the Cubs consider moving on from Cody Bellinger? He’s a Scott Boras client who could opt out if he gets hot in the second half. If he doesn't, Bellinger’s player options for 2025 and 2026 are virtually identical to the financial commitments the Astros would have to make to keep free agents Alex Bregman in 2025 and Kyle Tucker in 2026. Or, if the Toronto Blue Jays were to sell, could Justin Turner play first base in Houston?

Trade proposal: Houston has one of the weaker farm systems in MLB, so it might be better for the Astros to offer money, rather than prospects. The Cubs have a good farm system and could prioritize the future financial flexibility associated with trading Bellinger. Chicago could pair him with Kyle Hendricks, who admittedly has had a tough year (if you squint hard enough, you can see a 4.34 xFIP) but also has significant playoff experience and threw seven shutout innings in his last outing before the All-Star break. Would Houston trade a couple of lottery-ticket prospect arms for Bellinger, Hendricks and cash considerations?

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