Astros urged to utilize trade plan that's, unfortunately, a smart idea

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Astros urged to utilize trade plan that's, unfortunately, a smart idea originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Astros are 17-28 in the 2026 regular season, and there are a lot of issues with the roster through the middle of May.

While the year is far from over, the August 3rd trade deadline feels a lot closer than it is for one reason: Houston is running out of time to avoid a seller status.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report is urging the Astros to utilize a trade deadline plan, one that simply involves the following phrase: "Burn it Down."

"For the first time in more than a decade, the Astros might be selling their roster for parts at the deadline," Miller writes.

This plan would be a brutal outcome for the Astros this season. However, it is, unfortunately, a smart idea if things continue to go south.

Astros' fire sale trade plan would be a smart idea​

This fire sale would only make sense if the Astros are truly out of the race come July, as if they can still fight for a Wild Card spot, let alone the AL West, then they shouldn't sell.

But, if they're on the outside looking in by a considerable margin come July, then a sell-off does make sense. Miller called for the Astros to "Burn it Down," and that would be the right call if they can't get back on track.

Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker are two obvious trade deadline candidates, with both likely to garner some trade interest. But, Jeremy Pena might be the biggest prize for a team inquiring about trade chips from the Astros, who could actually be on the move.

MORE: Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox

Bryan Abreu is another intriguing name that could be on the move, along with fellow relievers Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos, and maybe even starter Lance McCullers Jr.

There will surely be teams inquiring about Yordan Alvarez and Hunter Brown, and unless the Astros get a king's ransom that's hard to refuse, neither should be dealt this year.

They can still conduct a fire sale while keeping Brown and Alvarez, as the team might be able to conduct a mini rebuild over just one offseason with those two as center pieces of the offense and pitching staff.

Looking ahead to the trade deadline, becoming sellers would make sense for the Astros, and while unfortunate, it would be a smart idea this year based on how things have gone thus far for Houston.

More MLB news:​

• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
• Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player
• Reds' Elly De La Cruz makes baseball history not done in last 126 years
• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs

Continue reading...