The Houston Astros are expected to play a big part at the MLB trade deadline. They're 26-32, sit in third place in the American League West and are 2.5 games behind a wild-card spot. They're at risk of missing the postseason in back-to-back seasons, something they haven't done since a nine-year drought from 2006 to 2014.
With the deadline set for Aug. 3, there's plenty of time for the Astros to turn things around. If not, though, they have a handful of intriguing trade pieces that teams would be lining up to acquire.
In an article by Robert Murray of FanSided, relief pitcher Josh Hader is floated as a potential trade candidate for Houston.
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"Hader feels like a realistic trade candidate provided that he’s healthy," Murray wrote. "He’s still sidelined from left biceps tendonitis, but he is progressing through his rehab assignment and getting closer to returning to the majors. When healthy, Hader is among the best and most dominant relievers in baseball."
As Murray noted, though, the 32-year-old's health is a key piece. Hader has not appeared in a game this season while recovering from injury. After beginning the year on the injured list, general manager Dana Brown said the six-time All-Star is expected to return in the first week of June.
That gives him time to ramp things up before the deadline. If he returns to normal form, Hader could emerge as one of the most sought-after players. In 2024 and 2025, with Houston, he appeared in 119 games, recording 123.2 innings, a 3.06 ERA, a .914 WHIP and 62 saves.
Acquiring Hader comes with a large financial burden as well. He is under a five-year, $95 million contract that runs through the 2028 season. If the Astros aren't contending for a postseason appearance by the deadline, this would be an opportunity to shed payroll.
