5 Trade Candidates the Houston Astros Have to Offer

Kyle Tucker - OF

Since the beginning of the 2021 season, Kyle Tucker ranks fourth among all players in RBIs. He seems like the kind of player you'd want to build a team around, even if the Astros decide to concede the 2024 season. Despite mutual interest between Tucker and the Astros in extending their relationship, the fact that Tucker is a Boras client makes a long-term deal before free agency appear unlikely.

Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, and the Astros could receive a significant return if they trade him this summer, giving a contending team access to him for parts of two seasons. At 27 years old, Tucker has hit eight home runs and driven in 28 runs in his postseason career.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

This post appeared first on Just Baseball.

Alex Bregman - 3B

Despite the two-time All-Star's slow start in 2024, it's expected that his performance will improve. If the Astros aren't in contention, Alex Bregman could emerge as one of the top trade candidates this summer.

Bregman has spent his entire nine-year career with the Astros, but as a Scott Boras client, he's likely to explore free agency this offseason. Boras clients usually pursue the highest offers, and if the Astros aren't ready to make a significant commitment to Bregman after this season, trading him this summer could make sense. Plenty of contenders will be eager to add the 30-year-old, who boasts 19 career postseason home runs.

However, if Bregman's struggles continue, the Astros might retain him and extend a qualifying offer. He could accept it, or if he declines and signs elsewhere, the team would receive draft compensation.

Ryan Pressly - RP

Despite his 5.27 ERA in 2024, Ryan Pressly's 2.19 FIP suggests that better results are on the horizon. If Pressly rebounds from his rough start but the Astros falter as a team, his extensive postseason experience makes him an attractive trade candidate, either as a set-up man or a closer.

Although the Astros signed Josh Hader in the offseason, which moved Pressly out of the closer role, this shift wasn't a reflection of Pressly's performance. He collected 105 saves and maintained a 0.996 WHIP from 2019 to 2023. Pressly also closed out the 2022 World Series and could find himself in that role for another team in 2024, even if he's no longer the closer in Houston.

Pressly's contract includes a $14 million mutual option for 2025, with a $2 million buyout if both parties don't exercise it. The option becomes guaranteed if Pressly pitches in 50 games this season.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Framber Valdez - LHP

The skilled left-hander recently returned from the injured list after dealing with left elbow inflammation, which could cause potential suitors to hesitate. However, there's still enough time before the trade deadline for Framber Valdez to prove he can rebound, and the opportunity to acquire him for two pennant races might persuade teams to trade valuable young talent.

In 2022, the 30-year-old led the AL with 201 1/3 innings pitched and followed up with 198 innings last season. He also brings considerable postseason experience. While Valdez's career postseason ERA of 4.24 suggests mixed results, he excelled during the Astros' 2022 title run, going 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA across four starts.

Kyle Tucker - OF

Since the beginning of the 2021 season, Kyle Tucker ranks fourth among all players in RBIs. He seems like the kind of player you'd want to build a team around, even if the Astros decide to concede the 2024 season. Despite mutual interest between Tucker and the Astros in extending their relationship, the fact that Tucker is a Boras client makes a long-term deal before free agency appear unlikely.

Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, and the Astros could receive a significant return if they trade him this summer, giving a contending team access to him for parts of two seasons. At 27 years old, Tucker has hit eight home runs and driven in 28 runs in his postseason career.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

This post appeared first on Just Baseball.