The Houston Astros have positioned themselves as a formidable force in the American League West, boasting a record of 56-40 as the second half of the 2025 season unfolds. They lead the Seattle Mariners by five games, even after notable offseason losses like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. The team's strategic acquisitions of Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes have kept them in contention, but the Astros are in need of pitching reinforcements as injuries have plagued their rotation.

One potential trade target is Miami Marlins' Edward Cabrera, who has shown promise with a 3.61 ERA across 16 starts. Cabrera's availability as a mid-rotation starter could be exactly what the Astros need to solidify their playoff push. Despite a thin farm system, his addition could provide a significant boost, especially as the Astros await the return of injured starters. With Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez already leading the rotation, securing Cabrera could further strengthen their standing in the AL West.

The Houston Astros are actively seeking to strengthen their starting rotation as they aim for another postseason run. While their ace, Framber Valdez, and promising pitcher Hunter Brown anchor the staff, the Astros require a reliable number-three starter to enhance their chances in the playoffs. Speculation surrounds Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, a Houston native, as a potential target. Though acquiring Kelly may require parting with valuable prospects, his solid performance this season, including a 3.34 ERA, makes him an attractive rental option.

In postseason scenarios, having a strong three-man rotation becomes crucial, especially with the looming luxury tax implications for the Astros. Kelly’s postseason experience, boasting a stellar 2.25 ERA during the 2023 playoffs, adds to his desirability. If the Astros can secure him, paired with Valdez and Brown, they would boast one of the more formidable rotations in the league, positioning them favorably as they head deeper into the playoffs.

The Seattle Mariners are set to kick off a critical three-game series against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park, with the first game scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PT on July 18. The Mariners, boasting a record of 51-45, aim to build on a successful first half of the season, ending with a three-game winning streak, including a sweep of the Detroit Tigers. Cal Raleigh, who recently made history by winning the Home Run Derby as the first catcher to achieve this feat, is expected to be a pivotal player in this matchup.

On the other side, the Astros, sitting at 56-40, lead the American League West standings. The Mariners will look to close the gap in the division and strengthen their Wild Card position. With both teams showing strong performances, this series promises to be a compelling matchup filled with playoff implications.

The fantasy baseball landscape is heating up as we move into the second half of the season. Identifying the right two-start pitchers can significantly impact your standings. This week, options abound with players like Hunter Brown of the Astros, who has been a beacon of consistency, and Tanner Bibee of the Guardians, who is poised to rebound against two average offenses. Shane Baz looks promising with a favorable matchup against the White Sox, while Max Scherzer's recent performances suggest he should be in all lineups despite challenging matchups.

Meanwhile, teams such as the Braves and Red Sox are still finalizing their rotations, creating uncertainty, especially for those looking to stream pitchers. Jacob Lopez of the Athletics and Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays are also on the radar, though with varying levels of risk. It's crucial to stay updated on last-minute rotation changes to maximize your fantasy potential this week.

The MLB season has entered its second half, and playoff scenarios are taking shape. Teams are now categorized as buyers, sellers, contenders, or pretenders, with most still facing uncertainties about their rosters and strategies. This power ranking evaluates teams based on their current World Series odds, providing insights into the league's dynamics as the summer heats up.

The Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox sit at the bottom, with the longest odds to win the World Series at +200,000, highlighting their struggles. In contrast, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the pack with +220 odds, showcasing their strength and successful roster. Other notable teams include the New York Yankees at +750, the Houston Astros at +1000, and the Philadelphia Phillies at +8000, reflecting their playoff potential.