The Houston Astros have been playing well in the month of June. At 48-33, they have the second-best record in the American League and lead the AL West by 6 1/2 games over the Seattle Mariners.
However, they have been hit hard by injuries, especially in their starting rotation. They currently have seven starters on the injured list.
The trade deadline is approaching, and Houston could use some help in their rotation
Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated listed Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara as a trade candidate and had the Astros as a potential suitor.
"Through the first two months of the season, that form seemed a long way off. Alcantara went 2–7 with an 8.47 ERA through his first 11 starts, with 29 walks and just 40 strikeouts in 51 innings. Since the start of June, the results have been much better: a 2.74 ERA and 3.20 FIP in four outings, with a meager 5.3% walk rate," Selbe wrote.
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The Astros have certainly been hit hard by injuries. But acquiring Alcantara could help them out.
The former Cy Young and two-time All-Star is 4-8 with a 6.69 ERA in 15 starts with the Marlins this season. It is important to remember, however that he is not far removed from Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2024.
Perhaps a change of scenery to a contending team will help him rediscover his old form. He has pitched better in recent weeks, however.
This would give the Astros an ace to go alongside Framber Valdez as the rest of the season unfolds.
Alcantara has two years of club control remaining, plus a club option for 2027, which could make him an interesting trade candidate.
We'll see if the Astros give the Marlins a call about the former Cy Young.
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