The Houston Astros are in the market for a left-handed hitter, and ideally, would also bring in a new second baseman. While the middle-infield trade market isn't bountiful, there is an option that has newly been linked to the Astros.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic has linked the Astros with Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies. Houston needs a second baseman and a lefty hitter, and Albies would fill both needs.
"They are not looking to move on from second baseman Ozzie Albies," Bowden writes, "but they'll listen to inquiries, and a team like the Astros, who are looking for a left-handed-hitting second baseman, would be a strong trade fit."
The Braves have had a dismal season in 2025 and are looking to sell their players at the trade deadline. With Albies, while the Braves don't intend to move on from him yet, a strong offer from the Astros could pry him away from Atlanta.
Through 98 games this season, Albies has 83 hits, 41 runs scored, 12 doubles, one triple, nine home runs,38 RBIs, 34 walks, and 66 strikeouts. He's hitting .221 with a .622 OPS, the worst of his career by far.
His previous career low was in 2022 after missing a large chunk of the season, when he had a .703 OPS. While the three-time All-Star has struggled, the Astros would be a strong fit for him in a potential deal.
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He's a former Silver Slugger and also helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series. At 28 years old, Albies is also nearing the end of his current deal. While his contract, $35 million over seven years, runs out at the end of 2025, he has two team options for 2026 and 2027 at $7 million each.
It's a very reasonable contract for a player like Albies, and if the Braves decide they want to move forward with a different player at second base, the Astros would be a great fit for the Braves veteran.
He's been in the majors for nine seasons, and lately, he has struggled to stay healthy and has not played as well as he once did. But, when he's at his best, Albies is one of the better second basemen in the league.
Landing a player like him would be a great pickup for Houston, even if it costs a lot. The big issue, other than whether the Braves actually move on from him or not, is whether the Astros have enough to make a strong offer.
If they do, and can get a trade done, Albies in Houston would be a great fit. He fills two needs, and is also under team control through 2027. It'd cost a lot, but for a contending Houston team, landing a player like Albies would be worth it.
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