Astros trade idea lands $30 million former All-Star from Royals

The Houston Astros have defied their preseason expectations and once again remain a force in the American League. They have jumped out to a seven-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West.

However, there are needs that the Astros must address. Their starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries.

To make matters worse, Framber Valdez is a free agent at the end of the year, and chances of him returning in 2026 appear to be slim.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report proposed the idea of Houston giving the Kansas City Royals a call about right-hander Seth Lugo.

"The Astros have a great one-two punch with Valdez and Hunter Brown. But their rotation has a pretty steep dropoff after that, which Lugo would fit. His 4.28 FIP suggests he hasn't been as effective as he was a year ago, but he still has an impressive 2.67 ERA to show for 17 starts. He would give the Astros a newly formed starting rotation trio to pair with perhaps the best bullpen in baseball," Kelly wrote.

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In addition to his 2.67 ERA, Lugo is 6-5 with a 3.1 WAR in 17 starts with the Royals. The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner has also pitched 101 innings.

The 35-year-old has been able to stay healthy and emerge into one of the top starters in Major League Baseball. The Astros would certainly benefit from having him around.

A top three of Valdez, Brown and Lugo would make the Astros a formidable threat in the postseason and give them a shot to win their third World Series title.

Lugo was given a two-year, $30 million contract prior to the 2024 season. He helped guide the Royals to an 86-win season in 2024 as well as a Wild Card berth.

If the Royals sell, Houston should certainly consider acquiring Lugo, as the rotation needs an extra arm. We'll see if the Astros give it some consideration.

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