Astros predicted to land former Cy Young Award winner in blockbuster trade

The Houston Astros could be aggressive at the trade deadline in hopes of making a deep run in October. They had a five-game lead in the American League West going into the All-Star Break.

The Houston Astros' starting rotation has been solid this season. Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez are a great duo at the top of the rotation, but the Astros may want some insurance behind them. They have dealt with some injuries and covet a high-upside arm.

Valdez is going to be a free agent after the season, so the Astros could be interested in more than just a rental. Sandy Alcántara is under club control through 2027. However, he has not been the same since his Cy Young Award Season in 2022. He struggled in 2023 and missed all of last season.

He has a 7.22 ERA in 18 starts and does not look like a player who will move the needle for a contender. However, teams could be willing to take a chance on him in hopes of fixing him. FanSided's Nick Villano predicted the Miami Marlins would trade him, and the Astros would land him.

"A team is going to look at Alcantara and think they can fix him. His issue is command, something he had just a few years ago," wrote Villano. "How can he get it back? He needs a great pitching coach. The Houston Astros would be a really interesting destination. They have been devastated by starting pitching injuries, losing both Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski for the rest of the season. They’ve done well to get the most out of every pitcher on their roster, and Alcantara can get his career back in Houston."

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At his peak, he is the best pitcher in baseball. He had a 2.28 ERA during his Cy Young Award season. He also led baseball in complete games and innings pitched. If he can be half of that, the Astros would be getting a great player.