The Houston Astros are 43-46 heading into a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite their losing record, Houston isn't out of the playoff picture. They sit just two games back from the American League West lead and a wild card spot.
With just over a month until the trade deadline, though, it's not clear what the Astros plan on doing. If they choose to be sellers, then Houston has a handful of talented players that other contenders could use.
Some of the more recognizable players include third baseman Isaac Paredes, shortstop Jeremy Pena, or first baseman Christian Walker. However, The Athletic's Chandler Rome reports that the Astros have been getting interest in relief pitcher AJ Blubaugh.
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"Blubaugh has emerged as a sought-after trade target during the Astros’ discussions with other clubs, according to multiple people with knowledge of the Astros’ conversations but not authorized to speak publicly about them," Rome wrote. "No deal is believed to be close, but the mere fact Blubaugh is being bandied about is instructive."
This season, Blubaugh has appeared in 34 games and been a key piece to Houston's bullpen. In 56.1 innings of work, he's accumulated a 3.36 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and 53 strikeouts. His opponents are slashing .201/.299/.332 for a .631 OPS.
After also posting a 1.69 ERA last season, the 25-year-old has become a player the Astros can rely on. According to Rome, he also still has five more seasons of team control, two of which he will be making league minimum.
As a seventh-round pick of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the righty has become a player worth watching with the trade deadline approaching.
Whether or not Houston moves on from Blubaugh may decide where the team stands by Aug. 3. With nobody running away with a lead in the AL West, the Astros may need him for a postseason push.
