It's no secret that the Houston Astros are scouring the market, whether it's by way of a trade or in free agency, for a new starting pitcher.
Framebr Valdez is likely signing elsewhere, and a few other arms are going to miss some time in 2026. With a clear need in the rotation, it's hardly a surprise to see Houston linked to starting pitchers this offseason.
According to Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros' most recent link is with the Tampa Bay Rays, and specifically, with a 26-year-old star starting pitcher who has been the subject of trade talks between the two teams.
Astros reportedly in trade talks with Rays for Shane Baz
"The Astros have expressed interest in Tampa Bay Rays starter and Houston native Shane Baz, according to multiple league sources." Rosenthal and Rome write. "A deal is not believed to be close, and some league sources characterized moving Baz as unlikely. Others, however, indicated the two teams have at least discussed the framework of a potential trade."
Houston being interested in Baz isn't a surprise, as he's a controllable starting pitcher who the Astros could keep around through the 2028 season.
This report is an interesting one, as Rosenthal and Rome indicate that, while there are some sources who believe the two sides have discussed a trade, the Rays have no plans to move the star starting pitcher.
More: Astros predicted to buy low on $13.5 million All-Star, Cy Young candidate to replace Framber Valdez
Baz is 26 years old and under club control for the next three seasons. Trading for a player like that is never easy, but especially when it's a starting pitcher.
While he didn't have his best season in 2025, a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts for the Rays, Baz has still shown his potential to be a star in the Major Leagues with his 3.06 ERA season in 2024 across 14 starts.
He still needs to prove his worth going forward, but the performances Baz has put on display are enough for the Astros to show serious interest in him.
Amid the Astros' desire to acquire a new starting pitcher, Baz has emerged as a possible option for Dana Brown and the Astros. It might not be cheap, but if they could pull this off, the Astros would have a young, star pitcher for the next three years.
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