Forget Skubal — the Astros need to fix their bullpen before anything else

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Forget Skubal — the Astros need to fix their bullpen before anything else originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Every contender with a rotation need has circled Tarik Skubal's name, and the Houston Astros are no different. However, Houston's most urgent problem right now is a volatile bullpen. While rumors are making rounds about the Detroit Tigers' ace, adding a frontline starter won't save a team whose relief unit frequently leaks runs in the late innings.

Though elite closer Josh Hader recently returned from a two-month injured list stint for biceps tendinitis, the rest of the unit remains shaky. Bryan Abreu, who handled closing duties early in the year, struggled immensely and still carries a 6.66 ERA.

Outside of Hader, the team has relied almost entirely on Bryan King to protect leads. King has been excellent, posting a 2.37 ERA across 28 appearances, but leaning on just one stable setup option in a 13-man bullpen is a dangerous formula for October baseball.

The Tigers' two-time AL Cy Young winner is heading for free agency after the 2026 season. According to ESPN, a trade is now widely considered likely.

Houston has been mentioned as a logical fit given their rotation needs. However, adding a frontline starter doesn't solve anything if the 'pen keeps springing leaks in the seventh and eighth innings.

Houston's starting pitchers rarely go deep into games, forcing the relievers to throw some of the heaviest innings in baseball. This constant workload explains why the bullpen has been so inconsistent late in games.

While the Astros are fourth in the AL West at 33-41, GM Dana Brown confirmed the team will be trade deadline buyers, stating there are "zero discussions" about moving Yordan Alvarez or Jeremy Pena.

Trading for an ace like Skubal makes sense because pitching seven strong innings directly protects a fragile bullpen. If Brown does not address both starting depth and late-inning relief, any deadline upgrade will be wasted.

More MLB news:​

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success
• Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency
• Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution

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