Get ready for some sizzling MLB trade talk! The Houston Astros, with their eyes on the 2026 season, are rumored to be cooking up some moves. Free agency is winding down, so trades are the new hot topic for teams aiming to boost their rosters. ESPN's David Schoenfield has dropped some intriguing trade proposals, and the Astros are front and center.
First up, a potential deal with the San Diego Padres. The Padres, seeking more power, could acquire first baseman Christian Walker and some cash from the Astros in exchange for minor league right-hander Bradgley Rodriguez. Schoenfield argues that Walker's presence would allow the Padres to shift Jake Cronenworth to second base full-time, addressing their 28th-ranked FanGraphs WAR projection at first base and their 20th-ranked projection at second. Rodriguez, a big-league-ready reliever, could bolster the Astros' bullpen, which is a bit thin on the right side beyond Bryan Abreu.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Astros could also be eyeing a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. This deal would see Jake Meyers head to L.A. in exchange for Josh Lowe. While Schoenfield describes it as far from a blockbuster, he believes it solves a problem for both teams. For the Angels, it's a defensive upgrade, while the Astros would gain a better bat. Lowe, despite his speed, is not a good center fielder, and the Angels have even considered bringing Mike Trout back to center, which Schoenfield calls a typically bad Angels idea. On the other hand, Meyers is an excellent defender, and although his bat and health have been concerns, he posted a career-best .292/.354/.373 line in 2025, trading some power for improved contact.
And this is the part most people miss... Schoenfield also suggests a third trade involving the Astros, this time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Isaac Paredes could be on the move to Pittsburgh.
With all these rumors swirling, it seems like the Astros are gearing up for some action. But will these trades come to fruition? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more MLB news and updates, including the finalized WBC rosters and some exciting lineup projections!
