Getty

The Houston Astros are struggling, but if those struggles continue, they could potentially help the Pittsburgh Pirates out at the deadline.

One team that has dealt with a lot of injuries this season has been the Houston Astros. It started in spring training when closer Josh Hader began the season on the injured list. Since the season began in March, it’s been injury after injury that has decimated the roster.

After dropping the series final to the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at home on Wednesday afternoon, 12-2, Houston is eight games under .500. They are still within striking distance in the American League West. Nobody has run away and separated yet.

While that can be good news, the reality is that the mounting injuries with the starting rotation will be difficult to overcome. Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, and Tatsyua Imai are all on the IL, and they remain without Hader for now. As they try to navigate without Hader, it is closer by committee for manager Joe Espada. One of his backend arms was listed as a trade candidate.

Houston Astros Bryan Abreu Tabbed Trade Candidate

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report listed one player from each team most likely to be traded. For Houston, it was Bryan Abreu, who has been one of Espada’s top backend arms.

“After allowing 12 earned runs in his first 7.1 innings of work, Abreu has reasserted himself as one of the best middle relievers in the business with eight strikeouts and one run allowed across his last five innings” Miller wrote.

Houston’s bullpen has been very good this year despite its record. They have saved eight of nine opportunities after closing the door on the Dodgers on Tuesday night. However, having just nine save chances through the first six weeks of the season is concerning. All the injuries are playing a role in that.

“Can the Astros make it back from their woeful start, though, given the state of their rotation and the extent of their IL stockpile? They might be selling off their impending free agents, and Abreu’s track record (2.30 ERA from 2022-25) would make him highly coveted,” Miller wrote.

Abreu is someone who would draw a lot of interest from a contender. He’s on an expiring contract and is owed $5.85 million this season. The 29-year-old Abreu has allowed 14 runs in 12.1 innings with 20 strikeouts so far in 2026. Those numbers are not going to wow teams, but his stuff is still as good as there is when he puts it all together.

Houston Astros Will Be Facing Difficult Decisions

General manager Dana Brown is going to be tasked with some decisions if things don’t turn around soon. Espada’s job could be on the line, but given all the injuries that are piling up, there is little he can do.

The trade deadline is in early August. There is still time to figure things out, but the Astros haven’t recovered from losing Framber Valdez in free agency. Decisions are going to be made, and they have some players that teams would covet. Abreu is someone who could fill a need for a contender and be the missing piece needed for October.