Podcast: Breaking Down Houston Astros' Exciting Trade Deadline

Breaking down the moves from the Houston Astros' promising moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

The Houston Astros' front office was clear about what they were looking to upgrade before the deadline. Now that the deadline has passed, it's fair to say they were telling the truth.

It was all about acquiring pitching for the Astros and general manager Dana Brown delivered in his first year. They pulled off the blockbuster trade to get Justin Verlander back in Houston and added bullpen arm Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox.

Sports Illustrated MLB Publisher Kade Kistner joined the "I Said What I Said" podcast to discuss the exciting moves Houston made.

When asked about which teams won the deadline, Kisner said, "The Houston Astros with Verlander, Kendall Graveman, so the American League West division really made out here at the deadline."

It was important for the Astros to make some moves of their own because they're in a divisional battle with their in-state rival Texas Rangers. Both teams are tied at the top of the AL West heading into the Wednesday slate of games.

The Rangers' additions of Max Scherzer, Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton ensured that Houston would have to get some pieces of their own.

They decided that a reunion with Verlander was what they needed. To pull off the deal with the New York Mets, they had to give up some of their top prospects, which they were reluctant to do.

When discussing what Houston gave up to the Mets, Kistner said, "They got a really good haul. Drew Gilbert, number 68 prospect in baseball, the only top 100 prospect the Astros had."

Houston did not have a strong farm system heading into the deadline which is why the front office wanted to use their major league assets to get a deal done.

But clearly this team is in win now mode coming off their World Series championship last season, so giving up prospects to win right now makes more sense than doing nothing.

Watch the full trade deadline recap episode at the YouTube link below, or listen on Spotify at the link below as well.