MLB Insider Reveals Perfect Trade Deadline Fit for Astros' Most Glaring Need

The three guarantees for baseball fans in recent years have been death, taxes and the Houston Astros being near the top of the MLB. The 2022 campaign is no different as the Astros lead the AL West by 13 games and while that's impressive, there's always room for improvement.

The Astros can find some help ahead of August's trade deadline, resulting in MLB insider Mark Feinsand listing a starting pitcher as the organization's top need. Fortunately, he has a veteran hurler that might be exactly what Houston needs.

Astros Trade Rumors

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle is someone that Feinsand sees as a potential fit for the Astros' starting pitching needs. Houston's starters have been rock-solid with a combined 3.23 ERA (T-No 3), but contenders haven't been shy to solidify their rotation ahead of the deadline in the past.

Mahle hasn't been having the most glamourous season, proven by his 3-7 record in 17 starts. But a lot of that has to do with his playing for the lowly Reds. The 27-year-old has still managed to have some success on the mound, recording a 4.48 ERA with 102 strikeouts over 92.1 innings.

Acquiring Mahle might crowd the rotation, but that isn't necessarily an issue. The Astros could always move him or even someone like José Urquidy or Jake Odorizzi to the bullpen, giving manager Dusty Baker more options to work with as the season rolls on.

The Astros haven't been shy to splurge in the past and have a great reason to chase Mahle, especially with him being under team control for one more year. With a chance to win their second World Series title since 2017, Astros management shouldn't hesitate to give the Reds a call regarding Mahle.

Astros World Series Odds

The Astros are one of the top picks to win the 2022 World Series, clocking in at +550 odds (No. 3) on FanDuel Sportsbook. A change in scenery for Mahle could be the key to further improving Houston's championship chances.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.