Astros Explore Trades to Bolster Rotation After Valdez Loss

The Houston Astros are entering a pivotal offseason after failing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Despite maintaining core stars like Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, the team struggled to replicate its championship-caliber performance.

The expected departure of left-hander Framber Valdez in free agency leaves a hole in the rotation, prompting Houston to explore alternative ways to add pitching depth. Reports from The Athletic’s Chandler Rome suggest that the team views trades as its best path to acquiring an established starter.

Outfielders Jake Meyers and Jesús Sánchez have emerged as potential trade pieces, though their market value varies. Meyers is reportedly drawing interest from teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, while Sánchez’s struggles after the trade deadline could limit his appeal.

With the AL West increasingly competitive—highlighted by the surging Seattle Mariners—the Astros face pressure to remodel their roster quickly. Acquiring starting pitching will be critical for Houston’s hopes of returning to contention and reclaiming an ALCS berth.

1. Trading Jake Meyers

Jake Meyers has been a central figure in offseason trade discussions. Known for his defensive ability in center field and steady bat, Meyers could yield significant pitching talent in return, making him an attractive option for the Astros to move. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are reportedly exploring trades for Meyers. For Houston, he represents a high-value asset that could help fill the void left by Valdez’s impending free-agent departure. Trading Meyers would not come without risk, however. The Astros would lose a reliable defensive presence and a key contributor at the top of the lineup. Balancing short-term pitching needs with long-term roster stability will be a major consideration. Despite the potential downsides, Meyers’ market value and versatility could make him the most viable trade chip for the Astros to acquire a frontline starter, particularly in a competitive AL West landscape.

2. The Jesús Sánchez Option

Jesús Sánchez was acquired at the trade deadline from the Miami Marlins but failed to meet expectations in Houston. His post-deadline struggles have dampened his trade value, making him a less attractive asset for teams seeking immediate rotation upgrades. While Sánchez could be included in trades, the return the Astros receive may not match what Meyers could command. Teams may view Sánchez as a gamble rather than a reliable solution, limiting his utility in acquiring a top-tier pitcher. The Astros’ outfield depth provides some flexibility, but moving Sánchez alone is unlikely to yield the rotation help Houston needs. Combining him with other assets might improve the odds of a meaningful return, though it complicates negotiations. Ultimately, Sánchez may serve as a secondary trade piece rather than the centerpiece in the Astros’ pitching acquisition strategy, highlighting the team’s focus on targeting proven starters.

3. Rotation Needs and AL West Outlook

Even with young arms like Hayden Wesneski returning from injury and Hunter Brown developing into a frontline starter, Houston still requires additional pitching depth. The loss of Valdez and the need for experienced starters underscore the urgency of this offseason. The AL West is increasingly competitive, with the Seattle Mariners emerging as a major force. The Astros cannot rely solely on internal development; acquiring established pitching is critical for their chances to contend in 2026. Houston’s front office faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining a strong lineup while reshaping the rotation. Trades, free-agent acquisitions, and careful roster planning will all factor into their strategy. The success of these moves could determine whether the Astros return to consistent postseason contention or fall behind in an evolving division landscape.