MLB insider reveals what position Astros 'desperately' need at trade deadline

After their poor start to the year, the Houston Astros were not viewed as a trade deadline buyer. It got to a point that Yordan Alvarez, Josh Hader, and even Hunter Brown were being named as trade chips.

But, they've made up some ground and now have a legitimate chance to make the postseason. In fact, they're just 0.5 games out of the Wild Card in the AL. With that in mind, it's not hard to imagine the Astros buying at the deadline this year.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Astros "desperately" want to trade for one position at this year's trade deadline amid their recent resurgence: starting pitcher.

Astros 'desperately' searching for SP upgrades

"The Astros, who have gone 26-19 since May 21, desperately want another starter," Nightengale writes. "Their rotation is yielding a 5.29 ERA, second-worst in MLB."

With the Astros right back in the thick of the AL postseason hunt in the Wild Card and even within striking distance of the AL West title, the Astros' buying this summer wouldn't be a surprise.

One of their needs revealed already is a left-handed hitting outfielder, and Colorado Rockies outfielders Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy are obvious trade fits. But the Astros also need to upgrade their rotation.

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Tatsuya Imai is very inconsistent, and the Astros can't rely on Spencer Arrighetti, Peter Lambert, Cristian Javier, and others behind Hunter Brown this season.

Fortunately, there should be plenty of good starting pitchers available for trade this summer. Freddy Peralta, Robbie Ray, and maybe even Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Eduardo Rodriguez, Trevor Rogers, and Michael Wacha could be available.

While the Astros "desperately" need to upgrade their rotation, this is a good year to need another pitcher in the starting rotation.

Dana Brown and company are likely eyeing lefty-hitting outfielders and starting pitchers this summer for the August 3 trade deadline. It's going to be an interesting deadline for Houston, especially if they can make up more ground in the AL West.

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