The Houston Astros are reportedly considering adding depth to their pitching rotation as the MLB trade deadline approaches. While their current starters, Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, have shown promise, the team may seek a seasoned veteran to bolster their options in the middle of the rotation.

One name gaining traction is Andrew Heaney, currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a modest record and ERA, Heaney has established himself as an innings eater, ranking third on the Pirates' staff with 98 innings pitched. Analysts like Tyler Ward highlight Heaney's potential value, noting he could be especially effective if utilized by the Astros' pitching lab, similar to Yusei Kikuchi's successful stint post-trade last season.

Houston's familiarity with Heaney, stemming from his previous tenures with the Angels and Rangers, positions them as a prime candidate for his services. However, the decision to acquire Heaney will hinge on whether the Astros believe he can effectively contribute down the stretch.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches the trade deadline, the Houston Astros are positioned firmly at the top of their division, having allowed just 342 earned runs this season. However, their pitching staff could benefit from further reinforcement. According to Bleacher Report’s Tyler Ward, veteran starter Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks is likely to be on the move, with rumors suggesting teams like the Astros are interested.

Kelly, who is enjoying a solid season with an 8-5 record, a 3.34 ERA, and 113 strikeouts, is a free agent at the end of the year, making him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their rotation. The Astros, already five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners, might wish to acquire Kelly to maintain their lead. Although they face competition from the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, the Astros could have the upper hand, given the Diamondbacks' reluctance to trade within their division.

Jose Altuve, the veteran Houston Astros infielder, has been a significant advocate for his teammate Jeremy Peña, urging for his contract extension earlier in the season. Altuve highlighted Peña's potential to become a superstar, underscoring his work ethic, talent, and maturity. Peña's season has been outstanding, with an All-Star selection and leading Houston's lineup, showcasing his hitting consistency and elite fielding skills. Despite a rib injury sidelining him, Peña's performance has seen him rank among the top players in the league, reflecting a significant breakout year.

Teammate Kyle Tucker praised Peña's ability to meld his offensive and defensive talents, asserting that Peña has finally put his skills together effectively. Hitting coach Troy Snitker noted Peña's improved swing mechanics, emphasizing better decision-making at the plate. Peña's performance metrics, including a high hard-hit rate and career-low chase rates, indicate he’s maturing as a player. With two seasons left before free agency, the Astros are keen on securing Peña's long-term future, with Altuve confident that Peña's trajectory points toward sustained greatness.

Carlos Rodón, the New York Yankees' left-handed pitcher, is enduring the ups and downs of his 11th MLB season. Despite facing harsh criticism and even threats from fans on social media, Rodón maintains a levelheaded perspective. He recently disclosed that he and his wife Ashley have been subjected to hatred online, particularly following a loss to the Boston Red Sox. The three-time All-Star, who boasts a 3.08 ERA and a 135-41 K-BB ratio, remains unfazed, stating, ‘We’ll be fine. We’re big boys.’

Rodón's performance on the mound has been commendable this season, with a personal best bWAR rating of 2.9. Fellow players like Lance McCullers Jr. and Liam Hendriks have also reported similar experiences with aggressive fans. Amidst this, Rodón aims to rise above the negativity and focus on his game as he helps steer the Yankees toward success this season.

The legal battle between Jim Crane and Drayton McLane over the Houston Astros is heading to court, with both billionaires seeking damages in a case stemming from the disastrous Comcast SportsNet Houston launch in 2013. Crane claims McLane inflated the value of the network to mitigate his losses, while McLane accuses Crane of damaging the team's performance to avoid a payout from the network. The jury will consider allegations of fraud and breach of contract as both sides present their case in a potentially landmark trial.

With significant financial stakes, including a potential reversal of the Astros' sale, the upcoming trial could reveal hidden details about Major League Baseball's financial dynamics. Both parties have faced delays and appeals, but the trial is finally set to begin, with each side believing they have compelling evidence to support their claims.