There has been an assumption around Major League Baseball that the Houston Astros won’t do what’s necessary this offseason to ensure they have a strong chance to compete in the 2026 campaign.
While that remains to be seen, Jim Bowden of The Athletic shared some new insight into what Houston might do.
Bowden reported that at the trade deadline, the Astros had interest in right-hander Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Gallen is now a free agent, and Bowden believes Houston could still be in the mix.
“The Astros tried to acquire Gallen at the July trade deadline and have been in pursuit of him ever since. He would fit nicely behind their ace, Hunter Brown, and would give a staff that has struggled to stay healthy a reliable, durable arm. Changing leagues and getting out of Chase Field should benefit Gallen. Arizona would like him back and Detroit would be a good fit, as well,” he wrote.
Gallen would help replace some of the production lost from left-hander Framber Valdez.
While it’s tough to say Gallen is better than Valdez purely in terms of raw stuff, he’s a very good arm and would be a solid consolation prize if Houston goes in that direction.
More Astros news:
- Astros’ Framber Valdez reportedly seeking one important thing in MLB free agency
- Astros 'in the mix' for top-tier free agent Framber Valdez replacements
- Kyle Tucker predicted to break baseball, sign with Dodgers to chase World Series ring
- Astros' Jake Meyers receives trade rumor update from MLB insiders
- Astros sign 2.87 ERA KBO starter to bolster injured rotation
- Astros predicted to buy low on $13.5 million All-Star, Cy Young candidate to replace Framber Valdez