Houston Astros Address Biggest Remaining Need With Potential Trade

The Houston Astros could trade for a new reliever ahead of the MLB deadline, addressing one of their biggest remaining needs.

Apr 27, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero (59) pitches during a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports / John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros have fought back into playoff contention, which means that they could become active in the market before the MLB's trade deadline.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden stated that owner Jim Crane is someone who is more likely to "double down" rather than "fold."

But what does the front office need to look for in a trade to improve their team?

Bowden stated their biggest needs right now is depth in both the starting rotation and bullpen. Getting more specific, he said the team should be on the lookout for a left-handed reliever.

Houston currently has just Josh Hader and Parker Mushinski as the only left-handed arms out of the bullpen.

Luckily for them, one of the best southpaw relievers in the league from the St. Louis Cardinals could be made available.

JoJo Romero has found success since leaving the Philadelphia Phillies and has become a very effective pitcher. In 2024, he has a 1.42 ERA and just 0.711 for WHIP.

He paints the zone with control rather than over-powering with velocity. This makes him a prime candidate for the relief role that the Astros need rather than a flamethrowing closer. His best pitch is his dominant slider, but he also leans on a very good sinker as well.

Batters don't get a lot of power when hitting against him, driving up his ground ball rate while only giving up two home runs since the start of 2023.

Mason Miller and Ryan Helsley are the biggest names on the market in terms of relievers, but may be too rich for what Houston has at their disposal. Romero would likely be much more affordable.

The Cardinals could ask for someone such as Brice Matthews.

He's a prospect who plays a position that Houston won't need help at for a long time. That might be too much for the Astros, but it's a nice starting spot for negotiations.