The Houston Astros looked more vulnerable than usual to begin the 2025 season, but it’s never wise to bet against this squad.
Granted, the Astros were just 13-13 entering play on Sunday. But the starting pitching has generally been good, and the offense will eventually round into form if Houston can get production from its stars.
The Astros can probably count on Yordan Alvarez, José Altuve, and Christian Walker to round into form. But it’s not entirely clear they’ll be able to weather the season with their current rotation, even though the top of that rotation has been good so far.
What’s also unclear is whether the Astros will be buyers, sellers, or neither this season. But one writer is getting ahead of the curve by pointing out a potential starting pitching trade target ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.
In a recent article, Kenneth Teape of Astros on SI proposed that St. Louis Cardinals three-time All-Star Sonny Gray could be a strong fit for Houston if they pursue starting pitching at the deadline.
“Gray was involved in plenty of trade rumors over the winter but stayed put at the start of the season. Off to an 11-15 start, their play certainly seems like a team that will eventually be selling,” Teape wrote.
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“Consistently productive for several years, Gray is flying under the radar as a high-end middle of the rotation arm. Under team control in 2026 and with a team option for 2027, he is another target to provide insurance in case (Framber) Valdez departs.”
The albatross here is Gray’s contract. It’s a three-year, $75 million deal that began last season, paying him $25 million this year, $35 million next year, and $30 million club option in 2027 with a $5 million buyout.
If the Astros are willing to stomach that sort of money, it would at least be a shorter commitment than whatever Valdez gets in free agency. And it would be the ultimate win-now move, even if that would be confusing to some after trading away Kyle Tucker this winter.
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