Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Say No 'Untouchables' At Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros have made it clear they are willing to pay the steep prices at this season's MLB trade deadline in order to improve their roster.
Kade Kistner|
Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

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Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are ready to make a significant splash at this season's MLB trade deadline. 

It's an important milestone as it marks the first time new general manager Dana Brown can make his mark on this roster since being hired this past winter. 

Sitting four games behind the first place Texas Rangers, the Astros will need to add a few pieces if they not only hope to catch their rivals for the American League West, but also if they wish to reach the World Series. 

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Houston has made it clear that no prospect is off the table in trade negotiations. 

"The Houston Astros say they don’t have an untouchable prospect in their farm system, but would be highly reluctant to move outfielder Drew Gilbert," writes Nightengale. "They hope DH/OFs Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley will return after the All-Star break."

In all honesty, the Astros have one of the weakest farm systems in all of baseball, with MLB.com having them ranked at 27 coming into the 2023 MLB season. So making any and all prospects available is likely what the Astros will HAVE to do if they hope to add an impact player to the roster at the deadline. 

Still, it's a good sign that Houston will do what is necessary to win and attempt a repeat as World Series champions. All eyes will be on Brown as he navigates his first trade deadline as a general manager. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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