Jeff Luhnow, former GM of the Houston Astros, reflects on the controversial trade for Roberto Osuna during the 2018 season. Acquired while under suspension for domestic violence, Osuna's addition to the Astros sparked outrage among fans. Luhnow acknowledges that he underestimated the trade's impact on female fans and admits he would handle it differently today. Osuna was a talented closer, but his off-field issues overshadowed his contributions, especially after the Astros' World Series loss to the Nationals the following season. Currently, Osuna plays in Japan, having faced injury setbacks and eventual release from Houston.

As we reach the MLB All-Star break, the waiver wire becomes critically important for fantasy baseball owners looking to enhance their rosters for the second half of the season. This week, notable call-ups include Brice Matthews of the Houston Astros, a promising shortstop who dominated at Triple-A with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Also on the rise is Brady House from the Washington Nationals, who has been on fire with a .333 batting average in his last eight games.

Pitching-wise, Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making headlines after a strong comeback, striking out 13 batters with a 1.17 WHIP over 12 scoreless innings. For fantasy managers, it's essential to stay updated on injuries and player performances as the regular season resumes. Below is a list of key players to consider adding from the waiver wire, ranked to help prioritize your moves:

Victor Caratini, the Houston Astros catcher, is experiencing a career year in 2025, already surpassing his previous season's home run and RBI totals. In just 64 games, Caratini has hit 10 home runs and driven in 32 runs, showcasing his growth as a player. As he enters the final year of his two-year contract, questions arise about his future with the team. KPRC 2 Houston's Ari Alexander argues that the Astros should extend Caratini, estimating a modest two-year, $14 million deal could secure him.

With a history of bouncing around various teams, Caratini's performance and ability to manage the pitching staff make him a valuable asset. The second half of the 2025 season will be crucial for the Astros to assess whether they should retain Caratini or let him explore the free-agent market, where he may find more lucrative offers.

Hunter Brown's rise to an MLB All-Star this season has been marked by impressive performance improvements, particularly in his ERA, which has dropped to 2.21 from 3.49 last year. His strikeouts are way up, already nearing last year’s total midway through the season. Much of this success can be traced back to a pivotal conversation with teammate Jose Altuve, who advised Brown on pitch strategy, emphasizing the importance of adjustments in his pitching.

The Houston Astros are gearing up for the upcoming MLB draft, holding the 21st overall pick, and the buzz centers around selecting the top player on their board, even if they have a strong preference for a specific position. Recent predictions suggest they might choose Wehiwa Aloy, a standout shortstop from the University of Arkansas, who has garnered significant accolades, including the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, after an impressive season hitting 20 home runs and boasting a .355 batting average.

While some mock drafts have Aloy falling into the 20s, his performance suggests he could be a valuable asset for the Astros, who have favored offensive-minded collegiate players in recent drafts. As the draft date approaches, it will be intriguing to see if Aloy’s stock rises, potentially making him an even more desirable pick for Houston.