The trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Astros have made it clear they are buyers. They have already been making moves like trading Lance McCullers Jr. and Nate Pearson, per MLB, but they aren't done yet. Pitching depth is still the priority for the playoff push.
Two names keep coming up: Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, per ESPN.
Skubal would cost significant prospect capital given Houston's thin farm system. Gray is the more realistic target on that front, and he'd also be easier to fit under the luxury tax threshold, especially with the payroll flexibility freed up by trading McCullers.
Both pitchers are in their final contract year, making them rental-type targets.
The Astros rotation has taken hit after hit this season. They spent the better part of the offseason beefing up their pitching staff, but countless injuries have kept them from settling into a consistent group.
The good news: the Astros are finally getting healthier, which changes the math on how aggressively they need to chase a name like Gray.
Hunter Brown has been back for a good bit after missing two months, and his last start was outstanding: seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Ronel Blanco has already made two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, most recently Sunday against the White Sox. He is still a bit rusty, but the foundation is there.
Hayden Wesneski was reinstated from the 60-day IL to make his first MLB start since May 2025 surgery, starting July 29 against the Angels, per MLB. So it will be interesting to see how he performs.
They have had some solid pitchers come through, like Spencer Arrighetti, but he has been off since June and recently landed on the IL. Then there's Peter Lambert, who is probably their most reliable starter. Either way, they need another strong, reliable arm to keep the rotation dangerous.
Taking a look at internal depth, Ethan Pecko, Houston's No. 6-7 overall prospect, has reportedly been mentioned by GM Dana Brown as an option to join the rotation if needed. Pecko has pitched well at Triple-A Sugar Land this season and is considered close to MLB-ready.
That internal depth is exactly why Gray, not Skubal, makes the most sense. With Blanco, Wesneski, and Pecko all in the mix, Houston doesn't need to gut the farm system for an ace, they need one more reliable arm to lock the rotation in for October.
But landing Gray just got a lot harder.
Boston's own turnaround this season may complicate things. Gray has been outstanding, and reports suggest the Red Sox could look to extend him rather than move him at the deadline. If that's the case, Houston may have to put up more of a fight than expected if they want Sonny Gray.
