Astros connected to $8.73 million Orioles ex-All-Star as trade fit

The Houston Astros are currently leading the American League West by five games. They stumbled a bit at the end of the first half, but should be a threat in the second half.

There are some areas of the roster that need attention. They have been hit hard by injuries, as Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez are currently on the shelf.

They might need to go searching for a bat or two as the trade deadline approaches. Houston remains a threat in the American League, and they would be wise to look for offensive upgrades.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report believes Houston is a true World Series contender, and suggested the idea of them targeting Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.

"Even with Alvarez and Peña coming back, the Astros will need to get a bat before the deadline passes. They don't have a ton to barter with in this respect, but it also might not take much to land a Ryan O'Hearn or a Cedric Mullins," Rymer wrote.

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Mullins is struggling with the Orioles this season, hitting .218/.302/.411 with a .713 OPS. However, he has hit 13 home runs, driven in 41 runs and stolen 13 bases.

He is a free agent at the end of the season, so it might not take much for the Astros to land him at the trade deadline. He still provides power from the left side of the plate.

He was an All-Star and Silver Slugger back in 2021, so he does have a solid track record, and perhaps a change of scenery could benefit him. The Orioles are well out of contention, while the Astros are shooting for yet another AL West title.

He could be the missing piece they need as they try to return to the postseason for the ninth consecutive year.

It will be interesting to see where the Astros land in their search for offense.

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