Houston Astros Should Push For Moves at Trade Deadline, Per Report

The Houston Astros are one of several teams projected to win more than 90 games that should make them buyers at the trade deadline.

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The Houston Astros are one of several teams that should be full speed ahead when it comes to the MLB trade deadline, according to ESPN.

The site ranked every team based on what should be their level of aggressiveness, using a variety of factors and 10,000 simulations to determine probable win totals and potential for a playoff berth.

The good news for the Astros is that, despite being behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West, they still have an 89 percent chance of making the playoffs and have a chance to defend their World Series title. The Astros are projected to win 95 games.

Despite the lack of production from slugger Jose Abreu offensively, ESPN cited the offense’s overall uptick and ability to prevent runs as factors in staying close to the Rangers in the AL West race.

Right now, Abreu is slugging under .300. The Astros also haven’t gotten much production from second baseman Jose Altuve due to a pair of injuries.

ESPN also cited the Astros’ pitching staff — despite the injuries — as a reason to be optimistic.

The pitching depth is as admirable as ever, but if the health outlooks of Jose Urquidy and Lance McCullers Jr. remain murky, you could see the Astros look to bolster the rotation from the outside.

The rankings took into account factors like odds to reach the postseason, remaining schedule and strength of division. They also considered statistical data like run differential, roster strength, remaining schedule and used that data in 10,000 simulations to project win totals and postseason odds.

All of it says the Astros should push to make moves at the trade deadline.

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