The Houston Astros were one of the biggest buyers of the MLB trade deadline as they swung a deal to re-acquire veteran 3B Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins. This was just one of a series of acquisitions made by the Astros at the deadline as they look to run away from the pack in the AL West.
Well, even though the trade deadline has come and gone, the Astros have gone out and acquired another left-handed arm to the fold. The former third-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers is expected to join Houston's roster on Sunday for their game against the Boston Red Sox.
Astros Pull Off Another Trade for LHP Days After the MLB Deadline
Welcome to the Houston Astros, John Rooney. Sunday morning, Chandler Rome, Astros beat writer for The Athletic, shared that the team had acquired 28-year-old left-handed pitcher John Rooney from the Miami Marlins for cash. In a corresponding move, 29-year-old Luis Contreras was optioned to AAA to play for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys of the Pacific Coast League.
The Astros have acquired left-hander John Rooney from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations. Rooney will join the team in Boston today. Luis Contreras was optioned to Triple-A.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 3, 2025
Houston was able to add Rooney following the trade deadline since the pitcher had not been on a 40-man roster at any point this season, nor spent any time on the MLB injured list at any point this campaign.
Rooney now joins Houston's big league club, where he will likely join the Astros bullpen for his first taste of what life is like in the majors. Given what Rooney was able to accomplish in his time with the AAA Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the lefty owned a 2.45 ERA while striking out 32.4% of his opponents in 38 appearances, it is understandable why Houston would be intrigued by his talent.
There is a reason why Rooney was still working his way to the big leagues after seven years in the minors, however. As impressive as his strikeout rate is, his walk rate is just as concerning. Rooney walked 16.5% of the batters he faced. If he wants to hang with the Astros in the bigs, he will need to clean that up quickly.
In the end, this seems like a worthwhile move for Houston to get a look at a pitching prospect with a high upside. We'll just have to see how he adjusts to his new environment, going from the AAA club of a perennial bottom dweller to the pennant race.