The Houston Astros have battled their way back from a disastrous start to the 2024 season. Houston had been swept four times in their first eight series, giving them a 7-19 record. Houston’s season record fell to 33-40 following an ugly 2-0 loss to the last-place White Sox on June 18. Since that day, the Astros have won 20 of their past 29 games, propelling them into the playoffs.
With the Seattle Mariners attempting to battle back, Houston will need to make steps to differentiate themselves in the American League. The MLB trade deadline is swiftly approaching, and the market is becoming hot. Houston’s foe, the Mariners, has already acquired Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Houston now needs to reply with their own moves. One particular player has piqued their interest, and signing him would benefit the Astros while also setting back some of their rivals.
For additional news and rumours, listen to MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast, and join the Discord channel to receive the inside scoop as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 30.
The Astros, Red Sox, and Yankees are among those targeting RHP. According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Ken Rosenthal, and Patrick Mooney ($), the Astros are interested in Chicago Cubs starting Jameson Taillon.
“With an undermanned rotation in a winnable division, the Houston Astros are among the teams that have expressed interest in Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to league sources.”
Now there’s a lot to unpack with Taillon. To move the starter this season, the Cubs will most certainly have to absorb a significant portion of his deal. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been interested in Taillon for weeks, making his market pretty heated right now.
If Houston is able to acquire the Cubs starter, they would not only strengthen their own rotation, but they will also steal a trade asset from the Red Sox and Yankees, two teams fighting with the Astros for the AL Pennant.
Taillon isn’t the finest starter on the market, but he’ll likely be one of the most economical. The righty has a 2.96 ERA after 100.1 innings worked this season. He is owed $18 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026.
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