3 Relievers the Astros Need to Trade for to Bolster Their Bullpen

The Houston Astros have the pieces in place to be a legitimate World Series threat in 2021 if they can improve some weak spots on the roster. They currently sit 1.5 games back in the AL West division with a record of 28-24, but have one glaring issue holding them back.

The Astros could use the MLB trade deadline as a way to acquire relievers and upgrade the bullpen as a whole. With that in mind, here are three relievers Houston needs to trade for.

Houston Astros Trade Targets

1. Richard Rodriguez, PIT

Richard Rodriguez is putting together a stellar season, but it seems to be getting overlooked given he plays on a struggling Pittsburgh Pirates team. He has a 3-1 record on the season to go along with a 1.61 ERA in 22.1 innings pitched. The 31-year-old has also struck out 17 batters this season and given up just two walks. Rodriguez has proven he can be counted on in high-leverage situations and that is the exact type of player the Astros need right now.

2. Ian Kennedy, TEX

For a player that has been around for a while, Ian Kennedy is still shining as a part of the Texas Rangers this year. He has posted a 1.86 ERA through 19.1 innings pitched and struck out 23 hitters during that span as well. In fact, Kennedy is tied for third in the American League with 11 saves on the season. He's a veteran player, but Kennedy has the pitching skills to still contribute on a contending team. He would fit in well in Houston.

3. Kendall Graveman, SEA

Although he is currently on the COVID-19 injured list, Kendall Graveman's fantastic start to the season cannot be overlooked. He has yet to give up a single run through 16.2 innings pitched and has a 1-0 record on the season. The 30-year-old hurler has also racked up 17 strikeouts so far and boasts a low .540 WHIP. Simply put, Graveman has been dominant in 2021 and should be a popular name at the trade deadline. There's no reason why the Astros shouldn't target him.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. 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.