It's trade deadline season around Major League Baseball, and a lot of eyes are on the Houston Astros this week. An American League West-best 60 wins has the Astros positioned to be World Series contenders down the threat, and adding reinforcements in the coming days could put manager Joe Espada's team over the top as title favorites.
The Astros might be looking to upgrade a handful of areas before the trade deadline, including the starting rotation. Yes, Houston currently owns the fifth-best bullpen ERA in the Majors (3.41), but there's always room for improvement if winning the World Series is the club's top goal.
A potential upgrade would likely kick someone out of the bullpen. Although this Astros reliever's job is likely safe for now, there's a good chance he won't be in the mix next season even if he survives the trade deadline.
Astros LHP Steven Okert Won't Be Back in 2026
Veteran left-handed hurler Steven Okert is one of the new faces that the Astros brought in during the offseason. Even though the Riverside, CA native began his tenure on a minor-league contract, a strong spring training showing was enough to convince Houston to promote him to a big-league deal by Opening Day.
Okert opened the campaign as one of the Astros' most reliable relief arms, going 1-1 with a 1.75 ERA and 30 strikeouts across 25 and 2/3 innings in his first 22 appearances. Unfortunately, he hasn't been the same pitcher since then, as his ERA has ballooned to 4.57 in his last 22 appearances after giving up three homers and 11 earned runs on 18 hits since May 31.
Astros fans just had a recent reminder of how volatile Okert can be when he gave up three earned runs and five hits in just one inning during Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Athletics.
Houston might not be actively shopping Okert now, but things could change if his performance doesn't pick up in the second half. The ex-Oklahoma Sooner still has one year of arbitration-eligibility left, and the Astros could use that team control to attract potential suitors if they decide to test Okert's value this winter.
With how quickly rosters can turn over in the Majors, Okert must quickly figure out a way to prove his worth to the Astros. Otherwise, the rest of the 2025 season might just be his last in Houston.