Astros' Bryan Abreu remains buy-low MLB trade deadline option

Awarded the closer role at the start of the regular season, Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu struggled from the start.

After giving up three runs in a non-save situation against the Los Angeles Angels on March 28, the 29-year-old entered the next day at Daikin Park with a two-run, ninth-inning advantage. 

It wasn't enough.

Abreu issued a leadoff walk to Adam Frazier and a one-out pass to Mike Trout. Astros manager Joe Espada displayed a lack of patience, pulling the closer from a save situation in favor of left-hander Bryan King, who earned the save.

With expected closer Josh Hader opening the regular season on the 15-day injured list with left biceps tendinitis, Abreu remained the Astros' primary ninth-inning option.

Even though his inconsistencies carried over into April.

Mopping up during a 9-1 defeat to the Houston Astros on April 8, the eight-year veteran issued two walks and yielded a run-scoring single to Troy Johnson. NBC Sports noted his four-seam fastball velocity was being clocked around 1-1.5 mph slower

Working a non-save situation April 28, Abreu yielded a three-run home run to Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel.

Once a high-end relief option on the MLB trade market, Abreu likely will remain a buy-low target for contenders before Aug. 3 deadline.

But can the Astros find a taker?

Astros' Bryan Abreu will be UDFA after season

Competing in a contract campaign, Abreu's inconsistencies continued into May and June. Through his opening 25.1 innings, he posted a 6.39 ERA and 1.82 WHIP. After Hader returned in June, Abreu was moved to a set-up role, but his struggles remained.

On June 22, he took a three-day leave from the team, citing personal reasons.

From 2022-25, Abreu posted a combined 2.30 ERA in 275 appearances, proving to be one of the league's more dependable relievers. Could 2026 be an off year for Abreu? Has he cleared up his personal troubles? 

An unrestricted free agent after this season, the Astros could execute a deadline deal for Abreu and attempt to re-sign him to a "prove-it" deal over the offseason.

But first, can the Astros find a taker for Abreu?

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