Astros Eye Key Players as Trade Deadline Approaches: Moniak, McCarthy, Skubal, Gray

As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Houston Astros are zeroing in on their offseason priorities: securing a starting pitcher, acquiring a left-handed outfield power bat, and bolstering their bullpen with a right-handed leverage reliever. These targets remain unchanged as the Astros continue to navigate the trade landscape.

In his latest Sunday Notebook, veteran MLB reporter Bob Nightengale shed light on the Astros’ current interests. Houston is reportedly keen on outfielders Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy from the Colorado Rockies, while also keeping an eye on pitchers Tarik Skubal and Sonny Gray.

Moniak, 28, a former first-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016, has seen a resurgence in his career this season. After struggling during his initial call-ups at ages 22 and 23, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. However, 2023 marked a turning point for the outfielder, who batted .280 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs after being recalled on May 12. Although his on-base percentage was lower than desired at .307 due to just nine walks in 323 plate appearances, Moniak’s performance was promising.

His 2024 season was less fruitful, as he managed only a .214 average before being released by the Angels in March 2025. Shortly thereafter, he signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Rockies. In his debut season in Denver, Moniak thrived, hitting .270 with a career-best 24 home runs and 68 RBIs, showcasing an .824 OPS despite a .306 on-base percentage. Currently, he boasts a .282 batting average, a .333 OBP, and a .945 OPS with 15 home runs and 37 RBIs in just 55 games.

While Moniak is not recognized for his defensive prowess, limited range, and arm strength may see him positioned as a left fielder if he joins the Astros.

McCarthy, also 28, was selected 39th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018. Known for his speed and left-handed bat, he has been connected with the Astros before. Acquired by the Rockies from the D-backs on January 10, McCarthy is enjoying a standout season, hitting .307 with a .344 OBP and .862 OPS, along with nine home runs and 47 RBIs. His speed is evident with 16 doubles, five triples, and 14 stolen bases to his name.

McCarthy first made headlines in 2022 when he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after a solid campaign. However, his performance has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a .243 average in 2023 to a .285 average in 2024. Following a rough start to 2025, he was optioned to Triple-A before returning to the majors and ultimately being traded to the Rockies.

Tarik Skubal, the two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, is another name on the Astros’ radar. Despite concerns about his price tag, the Astros are monitoring the situation closely. Skubal has dominated the league, leading in several pitching categories over the past two years. Recently, he underwent surgery on May 4 to remove loose bodies from his elbow but made a swift recovery, returning to the mound by June 13. In his latest start against the New York Yankees, he delivered an impressive performance, allowing just one run on one hit over six innings, striking out nine without issuing a walk.

This season, Skubal holds a 4-4 record with a 3.15 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP, maintaining a stellar 75/8 K/BB ratio over 65.2 innings. His current contract is for one year at $32 million, with free agency looming at the end of the season.

Sonny Gray, 36, presents a more complex situation. He was initially a target for the Astros but was ultimately acquired by the Boston Red Sox, who offered top prospects to the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray is having an exceptional season, leading the AL with 10 wins and boasting a 2.61 ERA alongside a 1.10 WHIP over 89.2 innings. His command remains sharp, evidenced by an 82/23 K/BB ratio.

Gray’s contract, however, is intricately tied to his trade to Boston, where the Cardinals agreed to cover a substantial portion of his salary. As it stands, Gray’s effective cost for this season is $11 million, with a mutual option for $30 million next season that includes a potential buyout.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.