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New York Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Astros trade deadline: Answering 9 key questions, plus potential All-Stars and more
During a wide-ranging live Q&A with The Athletic subscribers Monday, Chandler Rome discussed the Houston Astros' culture, the recent return of Jon Singleton, which players might make the All-Star team and many other topics. But, unsurprisingly, most of the questions centered on how the team will approach the July 31 trade deadline. Advertisement Here are highlights from Monday's live discussion: nine answers to key Astros trade deadline questions, along with Chandler's thoughts on extending their best young players and why the team has been so successful since 2015. To see answers to many more Astros questions, read the full Q&A. (Note: Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length.) Dana Brown keeps talking about a left-handed bat. What do you think are realistic options that the Astros could 'afford' in terms of prospect capital? — Mat S. The trade deadline is still almost six weeks away, Mat. It's difficult to even know who is really available, which is why I tend to avoid listing specific names. However, if the Orioles are open for business, Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins are rental left-handed bats that make a lot of sense. If the Mets make former top prospect Brett Baty available, he could be an intriguing option, especially with his upside and ability to play second base. The White Sox's Mike Tauchman is a left-handed-hitting outfielder having a nice year on a horrible team. Ditto for the Rockies' Mickey Moniak, a man who once went first in the draft. Dana Brown does love taking chances on first-round picks with high upside. Jake Meyers has been somewhat of a revelation this season, right? I know it is foolish to speculate even still a month-plus out, but if you were to play armchair GM, would you sell high on his stock? Or do we think this is for real/here to stay? — Seth H. Hey, Seth. If the Astros must trade off the major-league roster, no player may have a higher value than Meyers. He is cost-controlled — making just $2.3 million this season — and has two more seasons before reaching free agency. All other teams have access to Baseball Savant and can look at Meyers' career numbers, so they understand this is an outlier season. But the Gold Glove-caliber defense has been a constant. So has his elite sprint speed. There is value there. Whether it is enough to warrant Brown parting with him is another story. Advertisement What major-league players do you see as potential trade chips since our minor-league system is near the bottom? — Winston B. We've already discussed Meyers, but Chas McCormick is another obvious chip who could benefit from a change of scenery. If the Astros really need to pare payroll, Mauricio Dubón and Victor Caratini are options, but it's difficult to envision either man being traded for a rental or marginal addition. Do you get the sense that the Astros are confident in their existing starting pitching depth (most of them being currently on the IL), to the point where they may not target a SP at the deadline? — Arbiter A. I get the sense that it is very much in a holding pattern. If each of Lance McCullers Jr., Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia, J.P. France and Cristian Javier return on schedule and at peak effectiveness, the Astros aren't going to prioritize starting pitching at the deadline. Few things about this team's return-to-play procedure or baseball's pitching rehab in general suggest that outcome will happen, so the team's front office is keeping all options open. More will be known within the next three weeks, when it's possible all five of these pitchers could either be back to facing hitters or back in the major-league rotation. Are there simply no extensions being discussed or on the offseason agenda for the Astros — Hunter Brown, Jeremy Peña or Cam Smith would be the prime candidates, I'd assume — or is Dana Brown keeping those thoughts way more private than he used to? — Reuben M. The time to extend Hunter Brown and Peña has passed, Reuben. Brown had interest in an extension two springs ago, but the team never reciprocated. Earlier this season, Peña acknowledged that playing for one franchise his entire career is something that intrigues him, but given the season he is putting together, it would be foolish for him to sign anything long term. Hiring Scott Boras as his agent Monday only heightens the likelihood Peña will test free agency, and Brown left Ballengee Group for the Boras Corp. after a breakout 2024 season. Cam Smith is a fascinating case. Logic suggests Houston should've pursued something long term before the season began — a la Kristian Campbell — but those conversations never took place. Smith is still the sort of player Houston should prioritize in extension talks, much like the Braves did while Dana Brown worked there. Since being in Houston, Brown has shown few signs of repeating their strategy. Advertisement Why Jon Singleton? I know he's a left-handed bat, but hasn't his time passed? He plays one position, and Christian Walker isn't going anywhere. They just activated Taylor Trammell, and Yordan Alvarez should show up sometime this season. I do like moving Meyers for a good left-handed outfield bat like Ryan O'Hearn (RF/1B) — Gregory R. They needed an insurance policy and Singleton is a known commodity. Re-signing him really just accentuates how little position player depth the Astros have at the upper minor leagues. Look at their major-league bench right now: Cooper Hummel, Luis Guillorme and Taylor Trammell — three players brought in from outside the organization on minor-league deals. It's a direct reflection of a dearth of depth Dana Brown must address, perhaps as early as next month's draft. The Astros have the best record in baseball in June (14-6), if I'm remembering correctly, while they're playing players like Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme. What do you see as some of the biggest reasons for their recent success? Is it a soft schedule? Good luck? Their knack for developing pitchers? Something else? — Eric S. All of the above. Sixteen of their 20 games this month have been against the Pirates, Athletics, White Sox, Angels and Twins. All of those teams are under .500. Houston is doing what a good team should against a slew of bad ones. Only the Cleveland Guardians have a lower team ERA in June than the Astros, which is the biggest factor in their performance. Who do you think will make the All-Star team? I see Bobby Witt Jr. a lot but I think Peña has played better. I also think Jake deserves to be in the outfield. What about Isaac Paredes at 3B? Pitchers are easy with Brown and Josh Hader. I think the Astros will have four All-Stars: Peña, Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez and Hader. Starters are always easy to sneak into the game because so many will pitch on Saturday or Sunday before the break and, therefore, be unavailable for the All-Star Game. It's why I think both Brown and Valdez will get in. Paredes is deserving but may get squeezed out in a crowded group of position players. Beyond Jose Altuve, what do you think are the biggest factors in the Astros maintaining a winning, positive clubhouse and organizational culture even as we've seen foundational players leave year after year? Are other players like Peña and Dubón setting a positive example and modeling a strong work ethic? How much has manager Joe Espada contributed? Is it someone or something else I'm missing? The Boston drama has really brought this to light in comparison. — Anonymous U. It's hard for me to articulate. I've been around them in this capacity for eight years and have more access to them than most — but I'm still not around them near enough to lay out a definitive reason. Culture is something that's hard to define, but the Astros have it. Altuve is the main character and catalyst. Maybe the best way to distill it is this: Players who come from other organizations always marvel at how welcoming Houston's clubhouse is. There are few cliques and very little separation between the haves and have-nots. Players have said there is an unspoken understanding that anyone who walks in is immediately accepted. There are few rules but an expectation to work hard and put the team first. (Top photo of Jose Altuve and Jake Meyers: Sergio Estrada / Getty Images)
New York Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Astros Q&A: Chandler Rome on the trade deadline, prospects, 2026 and more
June 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT Houston Astros beat writer Chandler Rome will answer subscribers' questions about the team and organization during a live Q&A on Monday, June 23, from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. CT. Questions can be submitted ahead of time or during the Q&A. Chandler Rome June 22, 2025 Updated 6:21 pm EDT
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Astros Announce Jacob Melton News After Leaving Twins Game
Astros Announce Jacob Melton News After Leaving Twins Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's not easy for rookies to thrive in the big leagues, and Houston Astros outfielder Jacob Melton is learning that the hard way. The 24-year-old entered Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins, slashing .185/.241/.185 with three RBI over 10 contests. Advertisement The Astros selected Melton No. 64 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft and hit .254 with two homers, seven RBI, and three stolen bases for Triple-A Sugar Land before getting his first MLB call-up on June 1. However, the 6-foot-3-inch, 208-pounder didn't notch an extra-base hit before Friday. To make matters worse, Melton left Friday's game with an injury, via Brian McTaggart. Houston Astros left fielder Jacob Melton (31)© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Melton appeared to hurt himself in left field during Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro's home run in the fourth inning, as he fell and came up limping. Houston later announced that Melton left with right ankle soreness, via The Athletic's Chandler Rome. The Astros entered Friday with momentum, as they've won three straight series. They also won two consecutive games and were 7-3 in their last 10 heading into the contest. Advertisement Houston southpaw Colton Gordon tossed six innings of two-run ball against Minnesota, while right-hander Chris Paddack allowed nine runs (eight earned) across four innings for the opposition. The Astros entered Friday 4.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels atop the AL West. The club has won the division four straight seasons and hasn't missed the playoffs since 2016. After its Minnesota series, Houston will hit the road to play the Athletics and Angels. Related: Astros Announce Isaac Paredes News After Leaving White Sox Game Related: Rays Make Trade With Astros After Shane McClanahan News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
28-01-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Cubs acquire Ryan Pressly, Astros cover $5.5 million of salary to complete trade
By Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney After All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly waived his no-trade clause, the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs finalized the trade Tuesday, a significant move but one that still left each team with work to do late in the offseason. The Astros will cover $5.5 million of Pressly's $14 million salary, according to a league source, and receive Juan Bello, a 20-year-old pitching prospect from the lower levels of Chicago's farm system. Bello, who originally signed with the Cubs out of Colombia in 2022, posted a 3.21 ERA in 22 starts last season with Class-A Myrtle Beach. Advertisement While Pressly wasn't looking to leave Texas, it was made clear to him that the Astros desperately wanted to shed part of his salary and reallocate that money. As the corresponding move for adding Pressly to their 40-man roster, the Cubs designated reliever Matt Festa for assignment. The Astros demoted Pressly last season after handing Josh Hader the closer's job and $95 million guaranteed. Though Pressly eventually became accustomed to the setup role, the idea of closing at Wrigley Field became an attractive alternative. 'Opportunistic' is the buzzword around the Cubs as the organization tries to be nimble in case a larger deal at the right price presents itself while continuing to add role players for the bench and the bullpen. Alex Bregman remains a free agent, and both Chicago and Houston have expressed interest in the All-Star third baseman, according to sources briefed on those discussions. But there are persistent questions about the flexibility within the Cubs' budget for baseball operations, and the Astros are also treading carefully around the $241 million luxury tax threshold. With less than two weeks to go until the start of spring training, the Cubs also haven't shut down trade discussions. Now would appear to be a good time to think bigger, given the lackluster state of the National League Central and the short-term moves the Cubs have already made to try to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Trading for Pressly, a 36-year-old reliever on an expiring contract, followed the Cubs' blockbuster acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Astros. Tucker is also positioned to become a free agent after this season, and maximizing their time with one of the sport's best all-around players should be a priority.
New York Times
26-01-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Ryan Pressly waives no-trade clause, approves trade from Astros to Cubs: Source
By Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney Ryan Pressly waived his no-trade clause and approved a deal that will move the All-Star reliever from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs, a source briefed on his decision told The Athletic on Sunday. The Astros shopped Pressly throughout the winter to lower payroll. Before Sunday's trade, Houston sat around $3 million over the first luxury tax threshold, according to Cot's Contracts. Advertisement Freedom to move Bryan Abreu into a setup role behind closer Josh Hader made Pressly expendable, as did an uneven 2024 season during which Pressly missed fewer bats and carried the highest WHIP of any 162-game season during his Astros tenure. The Cubs were recently outbid for Tanner Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But going after the top reliever on the free-agent market showed that Jed Hoyer's front office had adjusted its strategy. Adding Pressly, a team source said, does not preclude the Cubs from signing one of several free-agent relievers the club has been closely evaluating. Now 36 years old, Pressly joined the Astros when they were the defending World Series champs via a trade from the Minnesota Twins at the 2018 deadline. After a journey through the Astros' pitching analytics carwash, Pressly transformed into one of baseball's most reliable relievers and etched his name into franchise lore as one of its premier postseason pitchers. Pressly had a 2.78 ERA and 60 strikeouts across 45 1/3 playoff innings and secured the final out of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Before surrendering three earned runs in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series last season, Pressly had not permitted an earned run in 22 1/3 consecutive postseason innings. The Cubs have been seeking to add that kind of experience to their bullpen, looking for a proven reliever who can set an example and take some pressure off his teammates. While the Cubs have improved their pitching development in recent years — and shown an ability to rebuild their bullpen on the fly — their current options don't have long track records of success. Though the Cubs once employed Aroldis Chapman, Wade Davis and Craig Kimbrel, their bullpen focus had shifted more toward homegrown players, change-of-scenery pitchers and relievers with raw talent and unlocked potential. Advertisement The organization's pitching infrastructure will still have to implement a plan to account for Pressly's declining velocity and strikeout numbers. But he got results last year, and his presence should benefit a bullpen that is projected to include under-the-radar names such as Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, Nate Pearson, Eli Morgan, Julian Merryweather and Caleb Thielbar. Hoyer's group generally believes that relievers' performances are too volatile to warrant significant long-term investments. The Cubs are also leaning heavily on manager Craig Counsell, who has an excellent reputation for running a pitching staff. Now they're banking on the belief that Pressly will adapt and not be overwhelmed by the idea of closing in front of 40,000 fans at Wrigley Field.
