Astros trade idea lands $15 million 2x World Series champ from Orioles

The Houston Astros are starting to turn a corner after struggling a bit towards the end of the first half. They now have won three games in a row and still lead the American League West by five games.

At 59-42, they are tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the second-best record in the Junior Circuit. But they have some needs to address as the trade deadline draws near.

Their starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries, and while they have Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, they still need some assistance. Another arm could go a long way in ensuring Houston takes the AL West.

In The Athletic's latest trade deadline big board, former Astro Charlie Morton was listed as a top trade candidate, and the Astros were considered a fit.

"The curveball never left him, but Charlie Morton's fastball seemed like it was gone for good in the early goings this year. He was sent to the pen for a bit, and he pulled his fastball velocity back up to the ninety-fours and -fives again, where it stayed when he returned to the rotation. Since that day, he's sporting a 3.69 ERA with the peripherals to support it."

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Morton has struggled this season with the Baltimore Orioles after signing a one-year, $15 million contract. He is 5-8 with a 5.58 ERA in 15 starts and six relief appearances.

However, he has a track record of pitching well in the postseason, and that is something that could benefit a team such as the Astros. The veteran right-hander spent two years in Houston and even closed out the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving Houston their first ring.

He's a veteran on an expiring contract and could still be a very attractive trade piece. Houston's rotation has had some bad luck this year, so having a third arm that they can trust to start playoff games would be most beneficial.

The 41-year-old is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, having won his second ring with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 against the Astros. We'll see if Houston makes Baltimore an offer.

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