The Houston Astros overcame a rough start to the season, performing like one of the top teams in the American League since May, which led them to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. Despite acquiring Yusei Kikuchi to strengthen their roster, it’s clear that General Manager Dana Brown might have some regrets about the moves he made—or didn’t make—during this critical period.
Firstly, the Astros’ trade for Kikuchi drew the most attention, but they also made a smaller deal for Caleb Ferguson from the New York Yankees. Ferguson, who once had a solid reputation as a left-handed reliever with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has struggled this season, posting a 5.13 ERA in 42 appearances. The Yankees, vying for a postseason spot themselves, parted ways with him, suggesting they didn’t see him as a valuable asset. If the Astros wanted to bolster their bullpen, this move fell short of making a significant impact.
The Astros’ bullpen, anchored by Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu, has been dependable, with strong contributions from Tayler Scott and Seth Martinez. However, the decision to add Ferguson instead of a more impactful reliever raises questions. They didn’t need to chase high-priced rentals like Carlos Estevez or Tanner Scott or controllable arms like Lucas Erceg and Jason Adam. Yet, acquiring someone like Andrew Chafin, who instead went to their AL West rivals in Texas, could have provided a more meaningful upgrade.
Another area of concern has been first base. The Astros expected Jose Abreu, who had shown promise in last year’s postseason, to be their primary first baseman. Unfortunately, Abreu’s performance declined sharply, leading to his demotion to the minors and eventual release, despite being under contract through 2025. Jon Singleton stepped in, and while he has been an improvement over Abreu, slashing .229/.313/.347 with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 84 games, his 86 OPS+ indicates he’s still below average as a hitter and offers limited defensive value.
In hindsight, the Astros’ trade deadline decisions, particularly the acquisition of Ferguson, might not have provided the boost they were aiming for. Improving the bullpen with a more significant addition and addressing the first base situation more effectively could have better positioned them for a stronger postseason run. As the season progresses, these decisions will be scrutinized, and their impact on the Astros’ overall performance will become clearer.
