Going 5-5 in their last 10 games, the Houston Astros enter Sunday with a 36-42 record. But only three games back of the AL West lead, the Astros don’t plan on having a fire sale at the trade deadline.
Specifically, first baseman Christian Walker and Jeremy Pena have been deemed off limits, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Instead, the Astros want to bolster their roster and ultimate playoff push.
“The Houston Astros have told teams that they are wasting their time asking about shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker,” Nightengale wrote. “They may be a sub-.500 team, but plan to be buyers at the deadline, not sellers, in a division in which only the Seattle Mariners are above .500. They are searching for bullpen help and a left-handed hitting outfielder.”
Houston has dealt with injuries across their roster in 2026. Coupled with their early struggles, many begun to believe the franchise would begin looking for a new vision. But the Astros believe in what they have. As they get healthier, and potentially add more pieces to the mix, Houston still considers themselves a contender.
Walker and Pena will play a pivotal role as the Astros try to turn things around. Through his first 77 games in 2026, the first baseman is hitting .240 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs. Houston’s shortstop is batting .284 with six home runs, 18 RBIs and five stolen bases in his first 40 games.
The Astros still have plenty of work to do to dig themselves of out their current hole. However, Houston much prefers their chances with Walker and Pena rather than selling off.
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