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Astros-Pirates Trade Idea: Houston Targets Andrew Heaney Amid Rotation Crisis

MLB access_alarms2025-05-30 01:21:30 visibility8 text_decrease title text_increase

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Table of Contents

Rotation Emergency in Houston

The Houston Astros' playoff aspirations suffered a devastating blow this week with ace Ronel Blanco requiring Tommy John surgery, ending his 2025 campaign. This comes just weeks after losing Hayden Wesneski to the same procedure, leaving Houston's rotation dangerously thin as they cling to a half-game AL West lead over Seattle.

The Pittsburgh Opportunity

Pittsburgh's surprising pitching surplus presents a logical trade partner. While top prospects Paul Skenes and Jared Jones remain untouchable, veteran lefty Andrew Heaney has emerged as an ideal rental candidate. The 33-year-old has revitalized his career with a 3.02 ERA through nine starts, pairing his signature curveball with improved fastball command.

Astros-Pirates Trade Idea: Houston Targets Veteran Starter Amid Rotation Crisis

Why Heaney Fits Houston

• Groundball mastery (48.4% GB rate) suits Minute Maid Park's dimensions
• Career-best 22.9% strikeout rate complements Houston's elite defense
• World Series experience (2023 Rangers champion) in pressure situations

Trade Framework

Houston could offer former first-round pick Drew Gilbert (OF) as the centerpiece. Despite struggling at Triple-A (.205/.313/.684), the 24-year-old's raw power and 2022 draft pedigree (28th overall) align with Pittsburgh's need for position-player prospects. To bridge valuation gaps, the Astros might add:

• Brice Matthews: .301/.389/.522 AA infielder with Altuve comparisons
• Miguel Ulloa: High-ceiling 19-year-old pitching prospect

Strategic Implications

For Pittsburgh: Acquires controllable talent while maintaining long-term rebuild
For Houston: Secures rotation Stability without sacrificing current MLB roster
Market Impact: Sets floor for mid-tier starter valuations ahead of trade deadline

Critical Timeline

With Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown carrying heavy workloads, GM Dana Brown must act before July 30th. Heaney's $5.25M salary fits Houston's financial flexibility, while his expiring contract preserves future payroll space.

Key Decision Factors

1. Prospect valuation: Is Gilbert's ceiling worth 3 months of Heaney?
2. injury contingency: Can Houston risk another starter injury without depth?
3. Division dynamics: Can Seattle's younger rotation outlast Houston's veterans?

Keywords: Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ronel Blanco, Andrew Heaney, MLB Trade Deadline