Houston Astros Perfectly Counter Rangers with Outstanding Deadline

The Houston Astros needed pitching and they got it at the trade deadline. The Astros could have used some hitting and, well, didn’t get it.

But the Astros addressed a need in both the starting rotation and in the bullpen with deals in the final days before the Aug. 1 deadline. Here is each deal and how it impacts the Astros.

Astros acquire RHP Justin Verlander and cash from Mets for OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford

Welcome back, Justin. In November he was celebrating his second World Series ring and a Cy Young award. Now he’s back after a trade with the Mets. After a slow start, Verlander is pitching well this season, in much the same form he was in 2022 in his final season in Houston.

He moves to the top of an Astros rotation that now seems complete in the wake of Framber Valdez’s no-hitter and the impending return of José Urquidy after three months due to injury. With Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown and J.P. France, the Astros could run with a six-man rotation if they wish. Given how both Brown and France have pitched this season, there’s no reason to option either to Triple-A.

To get Verlander, the Astros gave up two of their best outfield prospects in Gilbert and Clifford. Gilbert was the Astros’ No. 1 overall prospect, while Clifford was No. 4. It’s a steep price, but the Astros feel comfortable in the outfield at the MLB level, especially with the return of Yordan Alvarez. At the minor league level? The Astros are going to have to develop some talent and fast. But that’s the price the Astros had to pay.

Astros acquire RHP Kendall Graveman from White Sox for C Korey Lee

The Astros addressed their bullpen need by going after another old friend. Graverman pitched for the Astros during their 2021 World Series push and left for a $24 million deal with the White Sox after that season. With Chicago, he had a 3.30 ERA in 109 inning.

The Astros have one of the most overworked bullpens in baseball, with four different relievers having made at least 40 appearances this season. Graverman can help cut into their workload and preserve them for the stretch drive.

The Astros gave up a Top 5 prospect in Lee, their top prospect at catcher. He was batting .283 at Triple-A. Martin Maldonado and Yainer Diaz are handling the job now, and with Maldonado facing free agency this offseason, the Astros lost potential depth in the deal. But that’s a problem for another day.

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