MLB insider reveals three lefty hitters Astros are targeting at trade deadline

Matt Sullivan

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MLB insider reveals three lefty hitters Astros are targeting at trade deadline image

The Houston Astros are in the market for a left-handed hitter, thanks to the team having very few in the lineup this season. Jacob Melton has been out for a while, and Yordan Alvaraez hasn't played much this season.

Acquiring a player who can hit from the left side of the plate is a huge need for the Astros. And in a recent segment on Foul Territory, MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed three left-handed hitters he's hearing linked to Houston.

"Some of the names that I'm hearing from opposing GMs as possible fits include Ryan O'Hearn of the Baltimore Orioles," Bowden said, "Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves."

Each of these three players is potentially available, though Albies is the least likely to be moved, as Bowden also mentions the two sides haven't had talks about the veteran second baseman.

But Lowe and O'Hearn are two names to keep in mind. The Rays have already sold off catcher Danny Jensen, and even with Lowe on the injured list, they could move on from the All-Star second baseman at the deadline.

This season, before going on the 10-day injured list, Lowe had a .269 batting average with 87 hits and 19 home runs in 86 games played. He had a solid .800 OPS and 121 OPS+. He has a 2026 club option for $11.5 million, which gives an extra year of control.

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O'Hearn, meanwhile, is a true rental option. He was also an All-Star this season, like Lowe, but he was a starter and has a better hitting profile this season. But Lowe's a second baseman, while O'Hearn is a first baseman and outfielder.

Through his 92 games in 2025, the Orioles slugger has 86 hits, 12 home runs, and an .827 OPS and 134 OPS+. He's having a better offensive season than Lowe, including a .284 batting average, which is higher than Lowe's.

But Lowe's .480 slugging percentage is a bit higher than O'Hearn's .452. Both are solid sluggers, and each would be a great addition to the roster. Lowe is a second baseman, while O'Hearn could take over in left field.

The most important thing for both Lowe and O'Hearn is that they're left-handed hitters. Houston needs to add more lefty batters, and either would be a nice addition to the lineup, as they would fill two needs in the lineup and out on the field.

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Matt Sullivan

Matt Sullivan is a freelance writer for The Sporting News, predominantly covering MLB. Matt is a native of Pennsylvania and has worked with Athlon Sports, Last Word on Sports, and other outlets.