ESPN analyst makes ridiculous Astros claim after trade deadline moves

The Houston Astros were one of the busiest teams at the MLB trade deadline. They brought in Ramon Urias from the Baltimore Orioles, while also adding Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins. But their addition of Carlos Correa is the most noteworthy.

However, even with the massive moves the Astros made at the trade deadline, ESPN analyst Bradford Doolittle didn't view the Astros' trade deadline moves positively, including a ridiculous claim on Houston's post-trade outlook.

"I actually don't believe the Astros are any better," Doolittle writes, "and I already thought they were hanging on to their usual front-runner status with their proverbial fingernails."

To call the Astros' moves at the deadline as not impactful, to the point that the outlook from before and after the deadline hasn't changed, is a ridiculous statement to make.

Houston improved their outfield situation with the addition of Sanchez. He's also a left-handed hitting batter, a much-needed piece of the offense that Houston was going after at the deadline.

MORE: Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa

They also brought in Urias as solid infield depth and versatility, with the ability to play nearly anywhere in the infield. He's a solid option for the Astros who has a Gold Glove under his belt as well.

Correa, meanwhile, is the big deadline move. He's a franchise legend, and while he hasn't been as great this season, with a .696 OPS in 2025, he's still a great pickup for the Astros to, at worst, take a chance on.

While the team didn't end up adding a starting pitcher, they have Spencer Arrighetti and Cristian Javier close to returning to the rotation. Also, Houston didn't have to give up a fortune to land any of their trade pickups, something other teams did at the deadline.

To say that the Astros haven't improved their team at all is a ridiculous statement to make. They added depth in the infield and also added a much-needed left-handed hitter, who can also play left field. This claim from Doolittle is a ridiculous one, as the Astros certainly, at the very least, improved their roster from where it was before the deadline.

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