The Houston Astros recently swept the Arizona Diamondbacks and moved into a tie for the best record in the American League with the Toronto Blue Jays.
They also have six-game lead in the American League West over the Seattle Mariners. They have some issues to address at the trade deadline.
With the deadline now a week away, their biggest need is starting pitching. Their rotation has been hit hard by injuries this year.
Patrick Mooney and Will Sammon recently discussed Sandy Alcantara's trade market in The Athletic. Houston was listed as a possible fit.
"With both [Zac] Gallen and Alcantara, it will be a question of whether their respective teams would trade them for what they are now, or what they once were at their peaks. The Padres, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays are among the clubs that could play in this part of the pitching market."
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Alcantara has struggled this season, going 5-9 with a 6.66 ERA in 20 starts in his return from Tommy John surgery. His strikeout rate is also down to 6.7 per nine innings.
His value has likely taken a hit due to his struggles, but he could still be on the move at the deadline. Houston is firmly in the race, while the Marlins are out of contention.
Having Alcantara in their rotation could make them a threat in the postseason, even in the midst of his struggles, though Houston doesn't have a ton of top prospects.
The Astros still remain an elite team in the American League, and Alcantara would only strengthen them even further. It will be interesting to see if they decide to target him.
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